Greyhound Express issue one

GREYHOUND

EXPRESS

ISSUE ONE

BIG-RACE PREVIEWS: LADBROKES PUPPY DERBY SPRINGBOK HURDLE ENGLISH DERBY COUNTDOWN OPEN RACE SCENE BAGS ACTION

MARCH 2013

BIG-NAME COLUMNS: RAB MCNAIR JIM REYNOLDS DANNY GOMERSALL IAN BLAND GTA NEWS GOLDEN JACKET REPORT

SIMPLY THE BEST: TAYLORS SKY IRISH COURSING ● AMERICAN SCENE ● OWNERS’ BONUS SERIES

THE CRAYFORD WIGGLERS SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE SKY CHANNEL 212

RACING EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT

Come and see what you’re missing @ www.crayford.com

WELCOME TO GREYHOUND EXPRESS Editor Mick Livesey

Remember, it’s your magazine

Get in touch: greyhounds2008@live.co.uk or Twitter @micklivesey

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reyhound racing is the greatest sport in the world; it consists of all the elements that not only gets your pulse racing but get you hooked on it for life, nothing compares to it for the rollercoaster ride it takes you on.

Steve Mullen and I agreed to take on this project, I don’t mind telling you I think I have aged ten years and speeded up my inevitable hair loss, but we have managed to do it – a magazine that celebrates our sport and is available 100% free of charge.

Now without question it is very much a work in progress.

Listen I have no doubt that we can improve on this model, fine tune it and longterm deliver a magazine that everyone connected with the sport can be very proud of. Y ou have a role to play if you think we should cover x, y or z get in touch, it’s your magazine!

Without the help and support of the con-

tributors we would not be here today so we owe them a massive thank-you.

It would be great to cover all areas so if you fancy writing a column or providing information drop us a line and become involved. There will be new additions to the columnists next month.

It has been a journey of discovery and I’ve already met a lot of new people from the greyhound world, Eleanor Heaton-Armstrong is without doubt a marketing genius, and her help has been greatly appreciated.

Erik Koltz from the USA has been amazing to work with, I am sure you will love the USA section and to all the readers in the US if you are ever over in the UK come and visit one of our tracks and vice versa to our British and Irish readers.

We need your help and support through advertising to help with the running costs, it is very early days but we have some exciting

plans for this magazine both short-term and in the long-term.

There is no reason in 12 to 18 months’ time (if not before) we can’t move to a weekly magazine.

It is both mine and Steve’s wish to always have the magazine available free of charge, it is far easier to attract people who may not currently be a greyhound fan to take a look, hopefully get involved and become part of the greyhound family.

If you have any questions for our columnists, on supplements Patrick Janssens, on feeding Sean Traynor from Gain will answer them.

If you’re interested in advertising or becoming a contributor e-mail me via greyhounds2008@live.co.uk Or call my mobile: 07402941535 Most of all I hope you enjoy the magazine

Mick Livesey

BIG-RACE PREVIEWS

Rocks will be hard to break We kick off with the Ladbrokes Puppy Derby – Monmore, starting 4th March

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orth £12,500 to the winner this is the number-one puppy race in the calendar, not just in terms of money but sheer quality, they don’t get any better.

This is a race I look forward to every year, it gives you the answer to many future puzzles, and if you follow the greyhounds that do well in this stake you won’t go far wrong.

Previous winners that immediately spring to mind are Bandicoot Tipoki, went on and won the 2010 English Derby plus a host of other top class races. Blonde Dino, went and took third in the 2009 English Derby, when I think about Blonde Dino I will never forget the night he took on and beat the Irish in their own backyard when winning the Dundalk International.

Of all the races in the calendar this is the one that time after time throws up future champions, the list is endless and is like a CV of who’s who, just take a look at the recent winners: Last Six Winners 2012 – Newinn Rocket 2011 – Droopys Greg 2010 – Ballymac William 2009 – Bandicoot Tipoki 2008 – Ardmayle Champ 2007 – Blonde Dino Bonamassa Rocks, (Timor Blue – Sanu We Kee, June 2011), trained by David Mullins he burst on the scene at Romford, Peter O’Dowd the racing manager thinks he has all the attributes to make up into a competition greyhound and he could not have started his career in more impressive fashion.

For me if any greyhound is going to win the Puppy Derby they will have to beat Bonamassa Rocks.

I caught up with David and this is what he said about his upcoming chances.

He told me: “We don’t know how good he is, truthfully we have not seen him completely race fit yet I did not want to be hard on him so we brought him along gently.

“Once he has about six or seven races back to back we will know what he have, I’d

have preferred to get an extra race into him so the opening round will definitely bring him on.

“He is a dog that does not really do flying trials but thrives on race action. We are quietly confident and excited to see what the future holds but you need that bit of luck, some fantastic greyhounds are entered and it promises to be a great competition.”

David touched on the level of entry and you can never discount Charlie Lister OBE

he is represented with highly regarded Golden Wonder. Paul Young sends out Underground Paul he is an interesting runner, I am hearing great reports.

Both of those promise to have sensational careers and are well capable of winning this competition, preference though is for Bonamassa Rocks but it promises to be a memorable competition and no doubt will once again throw up several future champions.

Springbok looks like a real classic

BY MICK LIVESEY Last year’s Springbok winner Westmead Melanie (1)

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he Springbok starts on 9th March at Wimbledon, at the time of writing the springbok does not currently have a sponsor; I hear Lenny Ponder will step in if needed which is mighty generous of him.

Hurdling divides opinion, some love it some hate it, I am from the love it camp, it is something different and I find it really exciting. There should be more hurdle racing not less at all levels of ability; variety after all is the spice of life. Whoever wins the Springbok normally goes on and becomes a force on the hurdle scene. L ast year’s race was one of the most exciting of the year, Lenson Teddy looked all over the winner until Liz and Rab McNair’s greyhound Cabra Legend jumped on his back at the 4th bend leaving the race at the mercy of Westmead Melanie. Tony Collett has only just about forgiven Rab McNair but it’s been the source of many a joke between the two friends.

This year looks a fantastic competition and Tony Collett is back again with a leading fancy Lenson Johnny and this is what Tony had to say: “I could not believe it last year Rab and Brendan were that confident of winning the race they must have been practising stud duties with their dog he mounted our fella at the 4th bend.

“I have banned him for running this year; Lenson Johnny is a cracking dog, hurdles seem to have made him, he has beaten Teddy, plus the English and Irish Grand National winners, he is still learning the game and all the hurdles are different at each track, sometimes it takes him a look to get used to it. Barring accidents he stands a great chance, can do it from the front or behind, he is on course to put up a good show. You need that bit of luck though; look what happened last year, I would not put the readers off backing him.”

Lenson Johnny looks to have all the attributes to win big hurdle competitions but

Mash Mad Snowy has each-way claims

there are some class dogs in the field, one such dog is Droopys Lorenzo for Dean Childs who represents the main danger.

This is what Dean said about Lorenzo: “He is a very fast dog on the flat, he has taken to hurdles well but I think he will get better and better the more he jumps, preparations have not been ideal due to him not being accepted at Wimbledon where I wanted him to get used to those hurdles and course.

“We go to the Springbok full of hope and there is a lot more to come from him that

much I am sure, we think he can be a big player if he keeps on improving, he certainly has the ability.”

It really does look a battle between Lenson Johnny and Droopys Lorenzo two fantastic trainers and two very promising hurdlers that will have many a great battle over the course of 2013.

If you are looking for a good each-way prospect then Mash Mad Snowy for Seamus Cahill fits the bill, strong running greyhound with a touch of class that will be difficult to stop qualifying.

GREYHOUND DERBY

Greyhound Derby: The Mick has a live 100-1 contender for Wimbledon’s Blue Riband

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round 200 greyhounds will do battle over six rounds at Wimbledon in a bid to win the greatest race on the planet worth a staggering £150,000 to the winner.

Bookmakers in general come in for stick, everyone is looking for someone to blame but our bookmakers do a fantastic job in the sport of greyhound racing, they step up with sponsorship packages, offer great prize-money at their tracks and generally put on a show that give greyhound racing fans the ultimate thrill.

The countdown is on to the 1st round of the greyhound derby, I can’t wait the Americans get excited about their Superbowl, the William Hill English Derby does that to me, nothing else comes close and there is just something magical about it.

It is more than a race, it is part of greyhound folklore and every year new and exciting memories are created.

Soon as Christmas is over with and we enter the New Year I start thinking about this great race, dogs start to come back off their winters break and I start looking at the ante-post market.

I am gripped with Derby fever already.

With this in mind I caught up with Jennie Prest the lady who is bucking the trend and ploughing money into greyhound racing.

William Hill Sponsorship Manager Jennie Prest sai:, “We are just beginning to put all the plans in place for this year’s Derby and are very much looking forward to getting stuck in from both an organisational and trading perspective.

With a massive winner’s prize money boost of £25k to make it the first ever £150k Derby, we want to make sure the William Hill Derby continues to be the greatest race in the world and this extra funding will ensure that it is certainly the richest Open race on the planet.

“Back in its traditional June timeslot and without any other major sporting events this year to clash, the Derby is truly going to be a sporting highlight this sum-

Jaytee Hellcat

by Steve Nash

BY MICK LIVESEY

greatest show on earth

Last year’s Derby winner Blonde Snapper

The trophy they all want

mer. With SIS taking over the production for the Sky broadcast and the third round onwards due to be shown in betting shops across the country, we have a great opportunity to engage the racing and betting public and bring new fans to the sport, so we will all be working together to ensure a fantastic competition.”

Every month we will give you a greyhound to get stuck into on the ante-post betting market this month it is:

provement. I have a ticket with his name on and I am hoping this talented youngster can deliver the goods come derby time, I really believe he can.

Not many greyhounds are capable of going near 16.00 around Hove’s sprint distance, especially ones that have the ability to see out 480m.

There are dogs with nowhere near his raw ability in the betting market at much shorter odds.

Jaytee Hellcat, (Ace Hi Rumble – Droopys Geneva, December 2010) trained by Paul Young is a very progressive greyhound, available at a mind boggling 100/1.

He has already shown his liking for the derby course and distance clocking 28.35; he is lightly raced and open to HUGE im-

William Hill Greyhound Derby 2013: 16-1 Ballymac Eske, Farloe Warhawk, 20-1 Farloe Tango, 25-1 Bubbly Phoenix, Droopys Jet, Eden Star, Priceless Sky, 28-1 Paradise Madison, 33-1 Alien Planet, Ballymac Vic, Cuil Cougar, Lemon Pluto, Loughteen Blanco, Mildean Panther, 40-1 Barefoot Allstar, Golden Wonder, Longwood Warrior, Sparta Maestro, Teejays Bluehawk, 50-1 BAR (EW ¼ odds 1,2,3,4,5,6)

Cat is one hell of a greyhound

BIG-RACE PREVIEWS

Farloe can win the War i All the info ahead of the prestigious Racing Post Juvenile on March 19

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s there a better greyhound in the country than Farloe Warhawk?

Last year he won the English Puppy Derby, put in one of the performances of the year to win the Laurels but let’s not forget he also went to Shelbourne on Irish Derby final night and trounced the Irish in their own backyard.

That is some CV and any greyhound that achieved that over their full career would be sensational but to do that in your first year well it is quite incredible.

Warhawk is a magical greyhound pound for pound the best greyhound we have in England, he has the ability to find a way to win.

It will certainly be a high-class entry, it always is and many will be talking to about the likes of Ballymac Eske (same connections) who is an incredible greyhound, the race will probably have Droopys Hope the brilliant Oaks winner and the Racing Post deserve massive credit every year this race is one of the highlights.

You will be able to watch this incredible race on Sky Sports on 19th March (Springbok Final night).

Barrie Draper said “Both Warhawk and Eske will have the same preparations two trials at Sheffield and two at Wimbledon, they are both well after their break, Warhawk went through the puppy derby over course and distance unbeaten but Eske was getting better around Wimbledon and was very close in the final.

Their seasons start with the Juvenile then we will look at it probably heading to Scotland it promises to be a really exciting year.

There is not a lot in them, around Wimbledon you would have to say Warhawk possibly has the edge but nothing in it.”

Barrie Draper’s dogs will not run at Yarmouth

BY MICK LIVESEY

in Racing Post Juvenile

Draper stars to miss Trainers Champs GTA Trainers Championship 27th March

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ith the Racing Post Juvenile and trainer’s championship being so close together that means Farloe Warhawk and Ballymac Eske will not run at Yarmouth and represent the powerful Yorkshire based Draper.

I would have seriously been tipping up team Draper but with this revelation it will be tough although they do have strength and depth.

Barrie Draper said “it is a shame but they definitely will not run you can’t be in two places at the same time and there is no way I’d risk them without a trial.

“We will still have a nice team but my first two choices will be missing.”

The Top Six In 2012 Mark Wallis Paul Young Charlie Lister OBE Chris Allsopp Barrie Draper Seamus Cahill It promises to be a fantastic occasion with superstars from the six best kennels in 2012 turning out in force at Yarmouth live on sky-sports.

Charlie Lister OBE must never be under estimated and he has a brilliant record in this feature event.

Although superstars like Tay-

lors Sky and Boher Paddy have retired the master has recruited Alien Planet and looks to have some youngsters with bags of potential bursting through.

Paul Young, Mark Wallis, Chris Allsopp, Seamus Cahill and even though Barrie Draper’s team will be weakened there will be stars from all these kennels turning out.

Don’t miss the action live on Sky Sports it promises to be a cracker.

For full tips on this meeting and others they will be included in the Midweek, Weekend and Sunday Sport.

Farloe Warhawk

BEST OF BRITISH Romeo Recruit is a winner

Romeo is a top recruit R Every month we take a closer look at a British-bred greyhound

omeo Recruit, (Bombastic Shiraz – Fabulous March, March 2010), owned, bred and trained by Dave Firmager this is a greyhound that promises to have a fantastic 2013.

You have to doff your cap to David; year after year he produces the goods and waves the flag for British breeding more than any other breeder.

Recruit started his career off with an open race victory at Nottingham the venue that would later go on and host his biggest night so far but just maybe bigger and better things lay in wait.

He has been unlucky; Coral Sussex Puppy and Manchester Puppy Cup both saw his hopes of landing a nice title dashed with early trouble. He would though hit top form which saw him race through the £15,000

Nottingham Produce Stake unbeaten.

He just seems to be getting better with age and proved he was back better than ever this year when he beat Sawpit Sensation (Nottingham Track-Record holder) he was crowded in the run-up of the final but performed admirably.

This year could prove to be his greatest yet and he is definitely one to consider for all major races.

Currently he has a record of 16 victories from thirty-four starts but what is more impressive only on three occasions he has failed to grab a first-three finish.

No doubt in my mind he is a competition greyhound, I’d love to see him head to Shelbourne Park and fly the flag for British Breeding come Irish Derby time.

Both greyhound and trainer/breeder

deserve more recognition in my opinion, David does not jump up and down pushing himself forward he would rather let his greyhounds do the talking, he is a man when you speak to him on this subject you can’t help but be impressed.

He is always looking at ways he can improve his greyhounds, searching the world for the greatest sires and even more than racing he just loves breeding.

He may well have bred himself a Derby champion, with his style of running you would think the Scottish or the Irish would give him his best chance but even at Wimbledon it would be hard to get him out of those qualifying spots.

Well done David Firmager on yet again producing a sensational British Bred capable of challenging for major honours.

TAYLORS SKY

(Westmead Hawk – Rising Angel, March 2009) 43 Races – winning 26, 2011 English Derby Winner, 2011 Henlow Derby Winner, 2011 Gold Cup Winner, 2012 English Derby Finalist, 2012 Eclipse Runner Up, 2012 Yarmouth Derby R-up, 2012 Gold Cup Finalist, 2012 Henlow Derby Finalist, Broke or equalled 6 Track Records, 2011 Greyhound Of The Year; winning just over £116,000 in prize-money Standing with Sean Bourke at Newpark Stud 00353 872549554

BAGS

There’s more to this Easter than eggs!

Mick Livesey with all the info on a special event

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f you would have told me 12 months ago that I would be a massive fan of BAGS racing I would have thought you had gone mad. It is true though I absolutely love it now – I think these competitions are fantastic.

The BAGS track championship was a HUGE hit and I am tipping this to be massive.

I will be following this with great interest and would urge you to do the same, get yourself along and support these great races, best of luck to everyone taking part and well done BAGS/SIS. The lowdown on this great competition: BAGS/SIS Easter Eggstravaganza – Friday March 29th, 2013 The 2013 Eggstravaganza is an extravaganza in two senses. Firstly the Finals Day will consist of 16 races – a feast for greyhound fans.

Secondly the preliminary rounds of the competition will provide an action-packed highlight at a BAGS track every day for the first two weeks of March, ultimately creating a quality race meeting to be run on Good Friday on a day when there is no horse racing in the UK, allowing for our sport to take centre stage.

This ground-breaking event carries a prize fund of £125,000 and will be run on a points system to produce an overall winning team on Finals Day at Monmore Green, March 29th.

The winning team will receive £6,000 to be shared among trainers, with an additional £10,000 in prize money for their track to be paid out during the month of April. Second prize is £3,000, with £6,000 in track prize money, with the team finishing third receiving £1,000, and £4,000 in prize money for their track. BAGS/SIS will also sponsor all

16 tracks to each produce their own team of six dogs in six one-off qualifying races to be staged during the first half of the month of March.

This will mean that the Easter Eggstravaganza will contain 16 races on Finals Day over varying distances, with each track being represented in six different races. No team can be doubly represented in any one race.

Each of the 16 races run on Finals Day carries a generous first prize of £1,000, with £500 for second, £200 third and £100 others.

Points will be awarded in each race for the first three home – with 5 points going to the winner, 3 points for second and 1 point for the third. In this way the tracks can amass points for their team, which will convert into prize money at the end of the competition.

It is hoped that the Eggstravaganza will create a real buzz for those taking part and further add to the enthusiasm and camaraderie generated by the Track Championship.

The first round of the competition will take the form of qualifying races which will determine the track champion for each of the distances that the track will be racing over on Finals Day. Each track will stage six races on the specified dates, with the winner of each automatically qualifying to represent their track on Finals Day. Expenses of £1,000 will be allocated to each track to travel to Monmore.

Greyhounds must have completed a minimum of five races at their home track to be

eligible to take part, one of which must have been run at a BAGS meeting. Dogs who have been competing in and have won a maximum of one Open race will also be eligible to run.

The event will take place at Monmore Green which has a paddock capacity sufficient for all 96 greyhounds to be kennelled.

Prize money for qualifying races: Winner £200 Second £100 Others £50 This means that each track will be paying out £3,000 in total for the six qualifying races, for Crayford, Monmore, Sittingbourne, Nottingham, Romford and Sheffield there will be five qualifying races, with the runners-up from the stayers race going through to Finals day in another six-bend event which replaces the marathon qualifier.

This produces a total for the 16 tracks of £45,000.

Tracks please note there are no trophies or presentation jackets for the qualifying races.

Prize money for the Easter Eggstravaganza Finals: Winner £1,000, trophy and five points Second £500 and three points Third £200 and one point Others £100 This means that with 16 races each worth £2,000 there will be £32,000 on offer on the day.

The Easter Eggstravaganza Finals also offers a prize money pot of £6,000 for the track

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Easter Eggstravaganza Finals

Each track will confirm that they can produce a suitable runner for each category before the competition commences.

A draw will be held at the offices of the GBGB to determine which races the tracks compete in on Finals day, and guarding would be required to ensure that tracks do not have to race against their own runners at any stage.

The tracks that have shown that they can produce races over the different distances in the last year have been allocated greater variety of events in the Finals, since they are likely to be able to stage suitable qualifying races over these distances.

Sprint Sheffield Belle Vue Swindon Yarmouth Hall Green Romford Sprint Monmore Crayford Hove Poole Nottingham Kinsley 6 bends for runners-up Sheffield Crayford Nottingham Romford Monmore Sittingbourne 6 bends Monmore Hall Green Crayford Sheffield Newcastle Romford 6 bends Swindon Monmore Poole Kinsley Nottingham Sunderland 6 bends Hove Sittingbourne Swindon Newcastle Perry Barr Yarmouth Puppy Crayford Romford Nottingham Monmore Hove Poole Puppy Sheffield Sittingbourne Newcastle Yarmouth Belle Vue Sunderland 4 bend dog Crayford Hall Green Nottingham Perry Barr Newcastle Hove 4 bend dog Sheffield Hall Green Poole Newcastle Perry Barr Hove 4 bend dog Swindon Sittingbourne Yarmouth Kinsley Romford Belle Vue 4 bend dog Belle Vue Sittingbourne Kinsley Yarmouth Sunderland Monmore 4 bend bitch Crayford Hall Green Nottingham Poole Perry Barr Sunderland 4 bend bitch Perry Barr Sittingbourne Poole Sunderland Newcastle Hall Green 4 bend bitch Sheffield Swindon Kinsley Yarmouth Romford Belle Vue 4 bend bitch Belle Vue Kinsley Swindon Perry Barr Sunderland Hove

with the greatest number of points on the day, with £3000 for second place, and £1000 for third, to be shared between the trainers of the teams in question, in a manner to be determined by the tracks themselves.

In addition the winning team will earn an additional £10,000 in prize money for their stadium, with the second earning £6000 and the third placed team earning £4,000. The prize money earned in this way should be paid as additional prize money in April 2013.

Finally, each track will be allocated £1000 in travel expenses, except Monmore as host track. In total the prize money and prizes available in the competition will be £125,000 excluding jackets and trophies.

Easter Eggstravaganza qualifiers Day Date Track Fixture Saturday 2nd March Poole Afternoon Sunday 3rd March Kinsley Afternoon Monday 4th March Nottingham Evening Tuesday 5th March Sunderland Afternoon Wednesday 6th March Hall Green Morning Hove Afternoon Thursday 7th March Romford Afternoon Friday 8th March Monmore Afternoon Saturday 9th March Newcastle Afternoon Sunday 10th March Perry Barr Afternoon Monday 11th March Yarmouth Evening Tuesday 12th March Sheffield Evening Wednesday 13th March Belle Vue Afternoon Thursday 14th March Crayford Afternoon Friday 15th March Swindon Afternoon Saturday 16th March Sittingbourne Evening

Variety required by track

To be confirmed by the tracks that this variety can be accommodated.

Sprint Puppy 4 bend Dog 4 bend Bitch 6 bends Belle Vue 1 1 2 2 Crayford 1 1 1 1 1 Hall Green 1 2 2 1 Hove 1 1 2 1 1 Kinsley 1 2 2 1 Monmore 1 1 1 2 Newcastle 1 2 1 2 Nottingham 1 1 1 1 1 Perry Barr 2 3 1 Poole 1 1 1 2 1 Romford 1 1 1 1 1 Sheffield 1 1 1 1 1 Sittingbourne 1 2 1 1 Sunderland 1 1 3 1 Swindon 1 1 2 2 Yarmouth 1 1 2 1 1

The tracks will be drawn to determine which races they are competing in at the offices of the GBGB, and will be guarded in order to ensure that no track has two runners in any race.

Once the tracks that are racing in each race type are drawn, it is suggested that the actual races themselves are drawn. In this way the day’s programme will be seen to be fairly determined.

TOP DOGS

Taylors Sky: Simply the best TAYLORS SKY (Westmead Hawk – Rising Angel, March 2009) 43 Races – winning 26, 2011 English Derby Winner, 2011 Henlow Derby Winner, 2011 Gold Cup Winner, 2012 English Derby Finalist, 2012 Eclipse Runner Up, 2012 Yarmouth Derby R-up, 2012 Gold Cup Finalist, 2012 Henlow Derby Finalist, Broke or equalled 6 Track Records, 2011 Greyhound Of The Year; winning just over £116,000 in prize-money A true legend of the sport, that gave one man a reason to live, sent a hospital into uproar, gave a bond between his owner and trainer that will live on forever and gave me the fright of my life!

Without question this is a greyhound that had it all; blistering early pace, track craft, guts in abundance and a sheer determinaAlthough that was a very good start it tion to win. This is the story of Taylors Sky would not suggest what was about to hapthe greatest greyhound of his generation. pen six-weeks later at Youghal in a 525 yards trial, he put in a sensational run for Born in the County of Cork on the 3rd one so young clocking a remarkable 29.23.

March 2009, bred by Noel Fleming; what That was it he was up and running and a master stroke it was to select Westmead was entered in an open unraced stake at Hawk the dual Derby champion, by far Youghal on the 22nd October 2010. He the most successful sire selection to date. was sent off the 4/5 favourite and his supWhen Noel held this little white and blue porters would not be left disappointed, dog pup in his hands, not in his wildest blasting out of trap two he made every yard dreams could he have ever imagined what a a winning one to score by an ever increasfuture awaited this dog and what impact he ing 7L in a mind blowing 28.72. would have on people’s lives.

This was without doubt one of the most Taylors Sky would start off his life on impressive debuts ever seen, one man at the track being called Rising Hawk, on the the track that night was Jimmy Ferncombe 13th August he made his first public perfor- who was on the lookout for a potential mance; beating his sister (Rising Lyric) by National Puppy Stake winner (Comerford Cakes) for English owner Steve Taylor.

0.5L in 16.91 at Clonmel over 300 yards.

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THE BEGINNING

After negotiations, vet checks and Jimmy Ferncombe’s expert advice Steve coughed up just over £20,000 to become the proud owner of Rising Hawk.

STEVE TAYLOR BUYS A CHAMPION

Steve changed the name to Taylors Sky and moved the dog to Peter Cronin’s for a crack at the biggest puppy race in Ireland but before that there was a small matter of contesting the unraced final at Youghal.

Sky would start to pay Steve back from the get go, he came out and won the final, completely missing his break from trap one, he turned 3rd but gave everyone that first glimpse of his sheer guts and determination to win by running them down and

TAYLORS SKY In full flow by Steve Nash

305m, he was slow away, crowded at the first bend and soundly beaten by Blue Fox Warrior 2.25L in 17.99 + 30. Five days later he trialled over 500m at Sheffield this was far more encouraging he blasted from traps recording a brilliant 5.34 sectional but was gunned down close home by top stayer Anfi Gem who went on to score by 2L in 29.24 +10.

A week later back at Sheffield it looked like the patience was being rewarded, he put in a brilliant trial, showing fantastic early pace he took them apart winning by 7.25L in 29.46 -20.

There was talk of a crack at the Scottish Derby so he went there next for a solo trial clocking 29.55 +30.

The moment everyone had been waiting for he was entered for an open race back at Sheffield, connections were very hopeful. The bookies did not take any chances making him 8/13 favourite; this move was proven correct he would get his English career off to a winning start, taking it up around the first bend, he powered down the back and opened up an unassailable lead, although the pack were closing at the finish he crossed the line 1.75L to the good in a very good 29.25.

His next race was back up across the border at Shawfield; he suffered bad crowding at the first bend and ended up coming in 5th. The decision was made not to run him in the Scottish Derby.

2011 ENGLISH DERBY going on to win by 2L in 29.13 and netting connections 1,100 euro in the process.

Next stop the Comerford Cakes at Shelbourne; all seemed to be going well and he went to Shelbourne for a trial. He won the trial well by 4L but only clockked 28.98. The morning after Sky was found to be coughing and the decision was made not to risk him, he would be left off till after Christmas. The dream of winning the Comerford Cakes was over for Steve and he was absolutely gutted. Christmas passed and Sky was booked in for a sprint trial at Dublin’s other track Harolds Cross, beaten for the first time in his life by Ballymac Barrell 2L in 18.15 -20. This would be the last time Sky would grace an Irish track again and was placed on a transporter for England.

CHARLIE LISTER ERA

The dream at this stage it would be fair to say was unravelling but if one man could get things back on track it was the master Charlie Lister.

There was no doubt in Steve’s mind this was the man that would get Sky to reach his full potential. Things though would get worse before they got better on his way over from Ireland he suffered an injury to his tail that would hold up proceedings, it resulted in the vet taking around two inches off his tail.

This was an anxious time for everyone, things just kept going wrong and it would not be until the 7th March that Sky would be ready to start back on the track.

His first trial was at Nottingham over

The decision to bypass Scotland would turn out to be a master stroke, 14 days after trailing in 5th at Shawfield he was trialling around Wimbledon for a crack at the greatest race in the world the English Derby.

Could a young dog with only four races spanned out over a period of five months be a contender? His first look at the Derby venue Wimbledon was more than encouraging clocking 28.50 a week later he showed that was no flash in the pan clocking 28.41 +10.

Quite unbelievably his 5th race of his life was the first round of the Derby; it would not be easy for the youngster but he showed in the 1st round he was a contender, getting bumped on the run-up he still managed to lead and was only touched off by the highly regarded Blue Artisan 1L in 28.47.

Round 2 would provide a stern test has he went up against Pat Buckley’s talented Modern Man but Sky was not to be denied, he led from start to finish and went onto win by 2L in 28.79.

TOP DOGS In the 3rd round he would come up against a top class field and qualification would not be easy, he showed blistering pace and got to the front but went down gallantly to the brilliant Barefoot Bullet by 2L in 28.26 +10.

The youngster had made it to the quarter finals, what an achievement but qualification looked terribly difficult he was up against Nambisco, Razldazl Jayfkay and Boher Legend; all three fancied to grab those qualifying spots.

Sky was sent off at 10/1 and what was about to happen not even his biggest fans could have predicted, he took off, blew away a top-class field and scored by over 5L in a new track-record of 28.21 +10.

Overnight he was catapulted from the young hopeful to the dog everyone had to beat, could the youngster repeat this?

Into the semi-finals he roared but he was up against the great Irish dog Barefoot Bullet once more, could Sky get his revenge?

He did exactly that and showed the world his track-record breaking run was no fluke, he went and equalled it; recording 28.21 +10 and beating Bullet 0.75L. All the thoughts of dogs coughing, tasting defeat, tail operations were out the window Steve owned an English Derby finalist, he had drawn trap-one and since the 1985 Derby switch from White-City to Wimbledon the one-box had never won the English Derby.

Even the trap-one voodoo could not stop Taylors Sky entering the record books and becoming part of greyhound history, he will live on in the memory banks of the sports fans forever.

Not only did Sky win the Derby he won it with style and with authority to announce to the sport they had a new king.

Spectators were left speechless, he blew away the opposition to win by 4L and break his own track-record clocking a sensational 28.17 and banking the £75,000 winner’s +20 to go through the Gold Cup unbeaten and run away with the title and bank anpurse. (Now £150,000) other £10,000.

GOLD CUP

After his triumphant Derby campaign he was given a well-earned rest before coming out again in August for the Select Stakes, suffering crowding but still put in a good performance to come 3rd.

Next stop Monmore for the Gold Cup and he was back better than ever.

Breath-taking throughout the competition recording 27.74 +20, 27.96 and 27.80

DISASTER STRIKES & HENLOW DERBY

Steve Taylor sadly suffered a stroke and was fighting for his life in hospital, Sky crashed out of the Yarmouth Derby and things did not look good.

I visited Steve in hospital after the first round of the Henlow Derby which he duly won by 7L and broke the track-record.

Steve asked me and I will never forget if I’d give him commentary of the semi-final.

Well what could I say? Of course I said yes. I was more nervous that night than any other time in my life, what if things went bad, what if Steve got too excited, the dog goes lame or gets ko’d, never before have I wanted a dog to win more than I did that night.

My phone rang and it was Steve with a smuggled phone in hospital, I was actually trembling when they announced the hare was on the move, he flashed out and easily

TAYLORS SKY A magical night

find Charlie sat at the bottom of his bed and nobody did more for Steve, he became a father figure someone he could depend on and trust that bond between them will never be broken.

2012 A YEAR OF NEAR MISSES

The year started so well as Taylors Sky came out and broke the Perry Barr track record in the trainer’s championship in March.

Then it was off to Wimbledon to try to defend his English Derby crown. He scraped through the 1st round after being bumped at the start to come 3rd.

He took the 2nd round by 2.25L in 28.81 but that was to be his only win, a string of 2nds would see him line up for the final.

Could he do it and retain the crown, he was trying to emulate his great sire Westmead Hawk’s achievements.

Sadly it was not meant to be, he had his back legs taken when just about to strike the front, he would have done it and I truly believe that. The day belonged to Blonde Snapper and his connections.

This pattern would unfortunately stay with the champion; he made the final of the Gold Cup only to suffer crowding, same at the Henlow Derby.

He came runner-up in Yarmouth Derby and Eclipse which was his final race it took Sawpit Sensation to run a new track-record to beat them. He by anyone else’s standards had a marvellous year and he bows out at the very top.

WHAT NOW?

beat Blonde Snapper in a new track-record, I was a very relieved man.

Steve kept asking will he win the final yes of course he will Steve now please get better.

On the run up to the final Steve had an Ipad smuggled in to watch the final live on Sky Sports, patients, nurses, doctors, surgeons and even hospital porters were on the dog to win.

Two minutes before the off Steve was making a bit of a racket and was asked to switch off the Ipad. There was no chance of that happening as he roared his dog home

to victory in the Henlow Derby which he won by 2L in 27.16 -10.

The ward was full of very sick people but that did not stop the celebrations, Taylors Sky gave Steve Taylor a reason to live, a reason to fight and get to better.

He wanted nothing more than see him in the flesh. If you speak to Steve he will tell you during his darkest hours two things played a major part in his rehabilitation; his love for Taylors Sky and that of his trainer Charlie Lister OBE. Steve would often awake in hospital to

Taylors Sky is in Ireland with Sean Bourke at Newpark Stud and I am tipping him to be a massive hit, if he can pass on his guts and determination along with his blistering speed he will end up at the top of the charts.

Steve still owns him and once this chapter closes Sky will come home and look after Steve.

There has been a rumour or two that he will come back for a crack at this year’s Derby, that won’t happen. Steve said: “Not a chance, he has done so much for me, now it’s my turn to look after him, he will not be risked.

“We have been on a fantastic journey and I owe that dog so much and Charlie, what a fantastic job he did with him; the best trainer in the world.”

Mick Livesey

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£ 20.00

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Premarket Performer - 473 ml £ 20.00 New! Active Formula (454gm) £ 40.00 (1 kilo) £ 70.00 Natural White E (1 lb/454 gm) £ 25.00 (1 teaspoon per 80lb weight) Super E 5000 (1 lb/454 gm) £ 22.00 Vitamin E with Selenium (454gm) £ 22.00 Vitamin C tablets (250gm) (400 tablets) £ 15.00 B-Plex Forte (16 oz/473 ml) £ 20.00 (1 gall/3.8 lt) £120.00 Premarket Greyhound Formula (454 gm) £ 20.00 (1 kilo) £ 30.00 Dog Active (450 gm) £ 45.00 (900 gm) £ 80.00 Super B12 5000 (16 oz)/454 gm) £ 20.00 Garlic granules (1 kilo) £ 8.00 (3 kilo) £ 18.00 Nettle powder (1 kg) £ 15.00 Cider Vinegar (5 litres) £ 14.00 (1 litre) £ 4.00 Cod Liver Oil (5 litres) £ 18.00 (1 litre) £ 5.50 Linseed Oil (5 litres) £ 25.00 (1 litre) £ 6.50 Omega Oil (1 litre) £ 20.00 Seaweed (500 gm) £ 6.75 (4 kg) £ 20.00 Brewers Yeast powder (454 gm) £ 5.00 (3 kg) £ 25.00 Garlic, glucose & honey ( 3 ltr) £ 20.00 ( 6 ltr) £ 30.00 Collovet (250 ml) £ 10.95 ( 1 litre) £ 27.95 Gain Garmivit (1 kg) £ 20.00 (5kg) £ 85.00

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Potassium Plus (500 tablets) (100 tablets) DMG 2000 (454 gm) (kilo) Tye-Gard (473 ml) (946 ml)

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30.00 Effipro Spot On for large dogs (20 - 40 kg) Grooming kit Pack of 4 pipettes £19.50 Nail Cutter (American - large) £ 10.00 (£4.88 per pipette) Brush £ 8.00 Advantage 400 (for dogs over 25kg) Pack 4 pipettes £18.00

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CORONATION CUP

Rockville Sails home to land the Coronation

T

he first big event of 2013 and it was a magnificent competition that had it all; superb performances, shock exits, misery but was capped off by an inspired performance from Rockview Sail, (Hondo Black – Babyshan, May 2009) trained by Gerry Ballentine.

If you cast your mind back twelve months Rockview Sail lined up for the final of the 2012 Coronation Cup and was sent off the 4/7F only to be knocked over, it would be fair to say he lost his way somewhat after that event only managing to win a single race for the remainder of 2012.

It is all the more credit to the dog himself that he came back from the wilderness and completed the unfinished business he had with this competition in style.

A back in form Rockview Sail was supported and was sent off evens favourite. His supporters never had an anxious moment once he forced his way around the opening turn to come out in front. He turned on the gas opening up an unassailable lead with a devastating blend of early and middle pace. Carden Twighlight put in a brave performance to attempt to bridge the gap, although closing on the run for home defeat never looked likely. Rockview Sail crossed the line 1.25L in front in 35.74 which sparked celebrations from connections.

Last year Rockview sail suffered terrible luck when at 4/7, this year it was Bansha Mo who after putting in a breath-taking display in the semi-final was installed the 4/7 favourite but sadly she had to be withdrawn through a wrist injury.

Take nothing away from Rockview Sail he has suffered plenty of bad luck of his own but this was a terrible blow for popular Yorkshire handler Harry Crapper.

He had her flying and I am sure I speak for everyone in wishing her a speedy recovery and Rockview Sail has shown what is possible, could Mo come back in 12 months’ time and repeat his feat!

Rockview Sail wins the Coronation Cup. Picture by Steve Nash

(Courtesy of GBGB www.thedogs.co.uk)

GOLDEN JACKET

Soks rocks his rivals to land Jacket

W

hite Soks Roks, (Royal Impact – Lemon Rita, February 2010), arrived in the UK with a massive reputation and under the expert guidance of Danny Riordan he not only lived up to that he enhanced it even further going through the jacket unbeaten.

In December White Soks Roks was burning up Shelbourne Park, running away with the 10,000 euro first prize in the 750 yards night of stars race and going just 11 spots off the Shelbourne track-record.

In January the talented stayer arrived on British shores for a crack at the Ladbrokes Golden Jacket and in truth he ran away with it and heads back to Ireland with the Jacket and £15,000 safely in the Dogfathers syndicates pockets.

What makes him so astounding is his superb early pace and then he has the ability to see out staying trips, this is a recipe that very few in the staying game can match either side of the Irish Sea. This early pace was evident again in the final he clocked 23.36 on the first lap (did an unreal 23.17 in semi-final) his rivals could simply not match him, this ensured he received a clear run which none of the others did, the distance at the line of 3.25L in 45.48 flatters the opposition from trap rise the race always belonged to White Soks Roks.

It will be interesting to see if connections have any further raiding parties planned in the future, you would have to say whatever he is entered for it would take a mammoth effort to stop him from winning the event.

Should Be Renamed Festival There was no doubting that the Golden Jacket was the main attraction but the rest of the action was high class and it had a festival feel. Crayford deserve a lot of credit they put

on a great show screened live through BAGS into betting shops nationwide. It is not only the big events they produce the goods on, every week they really put a lot of effort into offering variety which should be applauded.

All tracks should be looking at what the Crayford management serve up and offer their patrons something similar. There were plenty of highlights on the day; Bandit Steals Peter Bussey Memorial Trophy With Front Running Display Bridge Bandit, (Droopys Kewell – Balscadden Katie, March 2010), this was very impressive, he took an absolute flyer and led a quality field a merry dance for champion trainer Mark Wallis with an exceptional front running display.

Romeo Patriot was ultra-impressive in the semi-finals and was duly sent off the 4/6 odds on favourite, on the day though Bridge Bandit looked like an odds on jolly. The

540m is about the limit Bandit wants to go but he still had 1L to spare come the line in a brilliant 33.97. There will be plenty of winners come out of this race Droopys English and Romeo Patriot look like they will enjoy better days and the winner himself could have a big 2013.

Other News

I am a fan of hurdle racing and was very impressed with novice hurdler Mash Mad Snowy for Seamus Cahill, this was a quality field he took on and beat. A finalist in the Coronation Cup his transition to hurdle racing has been eye catching.

He took the Chief Ramsbottom Hurdle worth £500 by a whopping 6.25L in 34.74 and he even hit the 5th hurdle, how good will he be when he learns to jump – could become a hurdle sensation.

It was impossible for me to get to Crayford but even though there was a huge FA

MICK LIVESEY REPORTS

White Socks Roks wins the Golden Jacket. Picture by Steve Nash

Cup game going to take place involving my beloved Blackburn Rovers I managed to get to a bookmakers and catch the action. One customer asked me for a winner, I duly said “Buglys Billie, not much of a price but she will win.”

I can’t tell you the looks I was getting after a circuit, Buglys Billie the 6/4F had plenty to do in The Ladbrokes Golden Jacket Marathon worth £500, but anyone who knows her would understand she comes home like an express train, this Sittingbourne based crowd pleaser did exactly that and got up close home for Bob Boosey.

I managed to get out of that London bookmakers in one piece and Blackburn beat Arsenal at the Emirates so for me that was a perfect day, brilliant morning action from Crayford and Blackburn doing the business in the cup, Saturday 17th February will live long in the memory.

Mash Mad Snowy

Buglys Billie

OPEN RACING

Make the most of a brilliant free service

W

e are extremely lucky in the UK with great coverage of our sport on TV, in Betting Shops through BAGS or through live streaming on the net. These are the greyhounds that have been catching the eye in the last month on the open race scene.

Racing Post Greyhound TV available free on sky channel 212, freesat 401 or on the Racing Posts website the channel really do serve up a treat for greyhound racing fans every Thursday, Friday and Saturday; get your tips and information in The Midweek, Weekend and Sunday Sport.

RPGTV BIG PERFORMERS THIS MONTH Hove

One of the best highlights this month must be Your A Champ, (Ballymac Maeve – Ballymac Choice, August 2010) Ken Tester’s bitch is fast becoming the star attraction not only of RPGTV but the sport in general. The crowd love a winner, they become attached, and thanks to RPGTV we have all been able to go on this journey with her, what a ride it has been and no sign of it stopping anytime soon.

You always get a small minority that take umbrage, she would not have beaten so and so, can she do it on another track other than Hove blah blah blah. Your A Champ is a star, we should all get behind this super talented sprinter, at the time of writing she has struck up an eight race winning sequence, I hope that run keeps on going. I caught up with Ken Tester on the 19th to see what the plans are:

“We are giving her a short break; she has had eight races so far this year and won them all. The plan is to keep her at Hove sprinting, the owners love to go to Hove and watch her run, we think she will stay further than sprints but for the immediate future at least she will be entered on Thursday nights for the opens live on RPGTV. She is a lovely bitch to handle, absolutely no trouble and does everything right at home, it is a pleasure to be her trainer.”

There we have it straight from the man in charge of this star, she is missing on the 21st but she will be back at Hove. I can’t wait to see her; after breaking moderately and then that display of ferocious pace into the corner that takes lengths out of her opposition, it is a magnificent sight. Your A Champ is one of the stories so far in 2013 and I hope this particular story runs and runs it is great for the sport. If Your A Champ was a horse or even a greyhound in the USA or Australia we would never hear the last of it, let’s celebrate her!

It is a greyhound fans treasure trove at Hove it is not just Your A Champ that is worth tuning in for, Bridge Ruth, (Hondo Black – Forest Baby, February 2010), for

Champion Trainer Mark Wallis has started the year with a bang, she has looked fantastic with a magical blend of early-pace and stamina she simply looks unbeatable around the Sussex venue if the Oaks was at Hove she would be an odds-on shot, the pick of her form would be on the 7th blasting out of trap four, posting a 4.14 sectional she ran away from her field by over 6L in 29.61 (calc).

Larrikin, (Premier Fantasy –Droopys Cupid, May 2010), for Derek Knight must be the most underrated greyhound in training, he may not be about to win a derby but he is a very solid open race greyhound that has the very welcomed habit of winning, he is very consistent without doubt a bench mark for the opposition to aim for and a force to reckoned with around Hove and given a clear run he will always break 30.00.

One greyhound I was particularly looking forward to seeing was Jaytee Hellcat, (Ace Hi Rumble – Droopys Geneva, December 2010), I am a massive fan of Paul Young’s charge, he did not disappoint his supporters when making his first start of the year, blowing away his rivals in fine style clocking 29.72 (calc). This year promises so much he

RPGTV

is far from the finished article and this fella could end up on the top of the pile.

The staying division is also red hot, Swift Signal, (Kinloch Brae – Malta Magic, January 2010) and Sakara Star, (Black Shaw – Whiteys Millie, March 2011), are two greyhounds that have been wowing the crowds and TV viewers, the latter is just coming out of the puppy stage and looks to have a brilliant staying career in front of him, under the expert guidance of Seamus Cahill this youngster could be a player for all major staying races of 2013.

Henlow

I think it is great to see Henlow on the TV, it’s a small track and deserves support, if there was an award for the friendliest track Henlow would definitely be in the running.

I miss attending the track but thanks to RPGTV I never miss the fantastic Thursday nights action.

Your A Champ was blowing away the opposition at Hove Westmead Shaw, (Ballymac Maeve – Westmead Swift, March 2009), was doing the same at Henlow for Nick Savva, his winning run came to an end

most pleasing things is the variety and it attracts the stars of greyhound racing.

One of the highlights this month was seeing Skate On, (Cashen Legend – Grannys Image, August 2010), Liz and Rab McNair’s bitch put in a breath-taking display on her first visit to the Essex venue clocking a brilliant 23.75. The English Oaks runner-up looks likely to be a major force for all the big competitions at Romford over the 400m trip.

See Rabs column for more on this exciting bitch.

Billymatt, (Ballymac Ruso – Miss Shauna, July 2010), is a win machine around Romford’s sprint trip, he has won seven from eleven sprints at this venue. He is a very fast greyhound and away from Romford he ran the talented Dreams Of Glory to a short-head at Nottingham. A lot of stars in the sprinting division and maybe more hype surround some of the others but this dog’s right up there with the best. Trained by Martyn Wiley and owned by footballing legend Tony Cottee and his dad, I caught up with Martyn on the 20th; “He is a lovely dog; old fashioned looking like they used to look this will be through the coursing blood in his breeding, very straight forward, friendly and loves his racing. Immediate plans are to keep him to Romford on a Friday night, he is more than capable of winning on the road but just makes sense to stay home, he will travel for some of the competitions maybe later in the year, Tony and his dad are loving it and he is giving us all plenty to enjoy, long may it continue.”

You could not talk about Romford without mentioning Sharons Return, (Droopys Scolari – Sharons Promise, August 2010), what a greyhound he is for Maxine Locke, he has the wow factor and if he manages to avoid trap-one he would give any greyhound a run for their money, capable of breaking 24.00 on his day one of the top greyhounds around Romford and will undoubtedly be a player in Golden Sprint.

on the 14th when he met Boyneside Banty, (Head Bound – Generosity, January 2010), Jim Hayton’s runner is vastly underrated and showed what a class act he is. The 428m course was made for him; he looks formidable over shorter four-bend trips and must always be respected.

Forest Dot, (Ballymac Maeve – Forest Eagle, January 2010), is always going to be a force to reckoned with especially in bitches races. You have to be impressed with Heather Dimmock’s handling of this talented bitch, she holds her form so well and has now won nineteen open races that is no mean feat.

Staying with Heather Dimmock her Reel Trickyone, (Ninja Jamie – Lively Jubbley, 2013 witnessed a welcome return to open March 2010), has been catching the eye with races on regular basis at Sunderland, there is impressive victories on the 7th and 14th, he a wealth of talent in North-East and you get raced through the grades at Peterborough and is now paying his way on the open cir- some fantastic racing.

Mill Bullseye, (Droopys Corelli – Hugcuit, more to come from him. gies Lass, November 2009), for Kelly Macari loves it around Sunderland, on the 8th FebWithout doubt one of the highlights of the ruary he made it win number four from seven week, Peter O’Dowd really puts on a show starts at the track recording 15.87 (calc), he with fantastic Friday night cards. One of the is yet to win away but there is no doubting he

Sunderland

Romford

OPEN RACING is a talent and on home soil he will give anyone a race.

A recent purchase for Malcom Daniels caught the eye Leap Of faith, (Crash – Mays Liz, March 2009), this dogs been one of the best stayers in Ireland over last couple of years, he may be approaching the twilight of his career but showed he still retains plenty of ability when he won an open race at Sunderland by 3L and he did not take it up until the 6th bend he recorded 40.53 (calc), there is definitely life in the old dog yet who becomes a veteran on 1st March.

Crayford

I am a massive fan of the Kent venue, Saturday night cards are brilliant, and there is always something for everyone. The management deserve huge credit in my opinion, one of my favourite tracks.

The big competitions have been dominating proceedings this month and have been covered earlier in magazine and check out Ian Bland’s fantastic column all about Crayford graded action.

One greyhound I just had to write about is Selkirk Souter, (Boherduff Light – Memphis, May 2010), trained Julie Luckhurst she must be an absolute pleasure to own and be involved with. It is almost like Crayford was made for her, she popped up and won at the start of February but unfortunately she picked up an injury on her last outing. I have loved watching her race and wish her a speedy recovery, hopefully see her winning again soon.

Coventry track layout

Newcastle

The talent at Newcastle is astonishing, their A1’s are like top open-races but they do have open races but you can imagine Ian Walton worrying about the tracks super talent winning more than the one open-race and not being eligible for the upcoming BAGS competitions. There is the fantastic British Bred festival starting at the end of March, The British Bred derby being main attraction sponsored by Harry Williams Company winning lines; it promises to be a great competition.

Beaufield Belle, (Westmead Hawk – Sniper Petra, June 2011), is a puppy that first roared onto the scene during the BAGS Track Championship, I was at Perry Barr that day just before Christmas and wow she was impressive. Belle has now won five on the bounce with her latest victory coming in an open-race at Newcastle, she blew away a de-

cent field by 6L in a mind blowing for one so young 28.67. This is a puppy that has a very bright future, her all round pace is frightening. I caught up with her trainer Gary Carmichael to get the lowdown on this hugely talented puppy: “The plan of action is to run her in Ladbrokes Puppy derby at Monmore, yesterday was a nightmare up at 3am and went all the way to Monmore from Scotland only to have trials cancelled, on a better note she is really well, owned by Craig Levein (former Scotland manager) and Stevie Farish, we are excited about her but also her litter comrades, some of these are less exposed but they are fast, if I was to give you one it would be Heavy Rumble we laid him off for winter but

in all honesty it’s a cracking litter. Belle is really sensible for her age, takes everything in her stride, great traveller (she needs to be Gary laughs) and does everything right. She has her mother’s early-pace and she stays its exciting times. Just to quash the rumours the offers talked about are nonsense we have not had any concrete offers made, don’t know where these rumours come from but that is the greyhound world.”

Wells Honour, (Montos Mark – Gusty Gale, May 2010), Craig Dawson’s sprinter ran a stormer last year in the William Hill Classic to come 2nd to Loughteen Blanco, after his problems it was great to see him back on the track and running so well in taking a sprint open at Newcastle, if this

COVENTRY/SITTINGBOURNE york and eventually came out on top for John Sharp in 29.43. This was a quality race with the talented Swords Messi back in 3rd a repeat of this sort of form will ensure John Sharp’s runner gets on the podium plenty more times in the future.

Great to see Coventry have acquired some hurdles (really every track should) and it is now attracting the best hurdlers in the game.

Baran Bally Hi, (Tyrur Ted – Druids Judicial, July 2008), the 2012 Irish Grand National winner was jumping to victory around Coventry earlier this month beating Lenson Teddy 3L in 29.44. It would not surprise me to see some big hurdle competitions in the future, another great move from Coventry.

Sittingbourne serve up Sundaytreat

levels, upped prize-money for open-races, now he is offering live free streaming and I have probably missed out lots of new and exciting initiatives, check out their fantastic website now www.covdogs.com On the track and what a run by Droopys Alfie, (Timor Blue – Droopys Seville, November 2009), he took off and recorded a fastest time of the year 29.24 for Barry Denby beating the highly rated Jolly Bullseye in the process. He is well worth keeping an eye on in the coming weeks has he looks to build on this impressive form.

Bowtime Reagan, (Ballymac Ruso – KilIt seems like Harry Findlay does something lough Belles, March 2010), took his impresground breaking every week at Coventry, first sive recent form from Sheffield to Coventry, he slashed tote retentions offering record low he had a fantastic battle with Airforce Newdog stays fit and well he could once again be a force come classic time. The same connection have superstar Mutual Decision, (Premier Fantasy – Quick And Easy, June 2009), they simply don’t come much better than Mutual Decision, I know retirement was tinkered with but when you see her take an open-race by 2L in 28.65, just keep on going, fantastic bitch this and sure to be a queue a mile long outside Craig’s kennel when she is retired and bred with for one of her pups.

Live free streaming from Coventry greyhounds

I love Sunday’s mix of open and graded races screened live into bookmaker’s shops; you get some fantastic races and some great betting opportunities. Sittingbourne have made a big effort in upping prize-money and it is really making a difference.

Lenson Johnny, (Droopys Vieri – Droopys Bubble, March 2010), is fast becoming the hurdle champion at the Kent venue, it is a delight to watch Tony Collett’s charge in full flight, this dogs just getting better and better he made it hat-trick of wins on 3rd. This run was really eye-catching suffering from bumping at the 1st bend he got up close home to win by 0.75L in 30.00 (calc). Sure to be a player in all major races this year.

Tony Collett is a man in top form he sent out Pelican Bay, (Hondo Black – Ciaras Turbo, May 2011), for his debut on British soil on 17th and he could not have started his career on these shores in more impressive fashion to get up close home in 29.12 (calc). There is a lot to like about this youngster he has an impressive Irish card and looks to have a decent future he should definitely pay his way. (Soon to have a name change Lenson Pele) Too Old Todream, (Hades Rocket – Purple Taxi, October 2010), must go down has the track champion this month, over the 500m he is formidable and at the time of writing is on for a hat-trick, trained by Spencer Mavrias his most recent performance on 17th was fantastic he put in a career best to win by 8.5L in 29.89 (calc), tried away from Sittingbourne on three occasions have yet to provide a victory but if he can take this form on the road he could be land himself a nice competition.

GREYHOUND TRAINERS ASSOCIATION

Wallis the man to catch in title race

Mark Wallis leads the way Picture by Steve Nash

T

he GTA under the chairmanship of Ricky Holloway seem to be making progress and this can only be good for the sport in general.

Every year the brilliant trainer’s championship brings the six best trainers together for a magnificent competition – this year 27th March at Yarmouth. Ladbrokes are sponsoring the championship and every month we will keep track of what is happening to see who will be crowned champion trainer and which six trainers will make the final six that will then shoot it out in 2014. Check out the GTA’s fantastic website; it is packed with brilliant information and stats.

LADBROKES GTA CHAMPION TRAINER OF THE YEAR TABLE Includes Open races up to and including 17/02/13 Trainer Pts Wins Prizemoney 1 M A Wallis 77 29 £6977.5 2 D C Riordan 74 8 £17175 3 K R Hutton 46 13 £3200 4 S A Cahill 37 20 £3775 5 A E Gardiner 31 3 £600 6 G B Ballentine 28 5 £5700 1st: No real surprise with current champion Mark Wallis sitting at the top of table, he has started this campaign off much like he finished last year.

Mark’s kennel has huge strength and depth and has already seen him win twenty-nine races Bridge Bandit has been one of his big performers but there are some big guns waiting to come out like Glanmire Lad and Ayamzaman who is just starting back. Not to mention some pretty tasty Blonde and Aero dogs.

2nd: It is a marathon not a sprint but you have to say what an incredible start to the year Danny Riordan has made; White Soks Roks winning the Golden jacket but also big perfor-

mances from his highly regarded duo Rio Torino and Minstrel with this sort of ammunition Danny stands a right good chance of holding onto a top six finish, it would be a remarkable achievement but he can do it.

3rd: Kevin Hutton’s having a fantastic year so far, Crinkel Jewell ran with huge credit to grab 4th in the Golden jacket picking up valuable points. Swords Messi, Jolly Bullseye, Droopys Daneel, Forest Mollie all have big ability and this could be the year Kevin breaks into the top six it will be touch and go all the way to the finish.

4th: One name that never surprises you up there and fighting for honours is Seamus Cahill, the man is a genius with a greyhound, he is always there or there about come the finish line and this year promises to be no different.

Loughteen Blanco will no doubt be a big points earner again the year for Seamus but he does have huge strength and depth; Sakara Star is a youngster that promises much, Ardkill Star, Mash Mad Snowy, Seals Babe, Guinness Smokie etc will all land big points this year.

5th: Claude Gardiner looks to have a really nice kennel, so pleased to see him doing well, it will be a tough ask for him to hold onto this top

six spot with Charlie Lister OBE, Paul Young, Dean Childs and co in hot pursuit but you never know. Droopys Xavier is a star performer for Claude but there are other useful types like Droopys Casspi coming through.

6th: Rockview Sail’s Coronation Cup exploits have seen Gerry Ballentine right up there with the early pace setters and you have to say it is well deserved. Rockview Sail is holding up the points for Gerry and he needs kennelmate Mays Millhouse to hit top form and some of the others if they are to keep it.

Latest betting from Ladbrokes Win only; Mark Wallis 4/9, Paul Young 7/2, Charlie Lister OBE 8/1, Barrie Draper 10/1, Chris AllSopp 12/1, 25/1 bar There is no each-way market, Seamus Cahill is currently 50/1 I would definitely have been tempted into an each-way punt.

Competition

GTA invites all GBGB licenced trainers to enter free competition – £500 to the winner This is a great initiative from the GTA – gets everyone involved and the chance to win £500 is not to be missed information and rules taken off the GTA website below:

www.thegta.co.uk

The GTA are pleased to announce we are running a free-to-enter competition for all GBGB licenced trainers and are putting up a prize of £500 to the winning trainer.

This competition gives all trainers the chance to compete against each other no matter what their racing kennel strength is, so even a trainer with a single dog has the chance to take on and beat the likes of 2012 Champion Trainer Mark Wallis.

We also expect some rivalry at each track to see who can be their top performer and earn bragging rights over their fellow trainers.

The GTA Trainers Competition 2013 (Rules and how it works) The GTA are pleased to announce we will be introducing a great new competition open only to GBGB licenced greyhound trainers and we hope as many will take part as possible, with a £500 prize going to the trainer who tops our competition leaderboard at the end of 2013.

The competition begins at the start of April (entries need to be submitted before the competition starts) and will test how well trainers know their own dogs by seeing if they can identify which dogs in their kennel are likely to finish the year with a higher winning strike rate.

We believe the rules allow all trainers to compete fairly and gives the trainer with just 1 or 2 graded dogs the chance to take on the likes of 2012 Champion Trainer Mark Wallis.

We have obtained a list which hopefully contains all currently licenced trainers, but obviously this is a dynamic list, so if you are a GBGB licenced trainer and your name is not on the list that appears when you register your team, please Contact Us to provide your details, which we will then check with the GBGB. How the competition works The competition is only open to greyhound trainers and professional greyhound trainers currently licenced by the GBGB and these trainers can go to the Competition Entry page to enter their “team” for our 2013 competition.

A trainer with 10 or less currently racing greyhounds in their kennel at time of registration can enter UP TO 3 dogs in their team.

Any trainer with more than 10 currently racing greyhounds in their kennel at time of registration MUST enter 3 dogs in their team. We believe this balances out the unequal kennel sizes in a way that is fair to all.

Failure to enter the correct number of dogs will make an entry void.

The closing date for entries is 31st March 2013 and teams will only begin scoring the following day.

Note: If you enter your team and any of your dogs get injured before the competition start date you can Contact Us to make a substitution up until 31st March 2013.

Trainers can make substitutions to their teams during the one and only substitution window which is likely to be in late July/early August (dates to be confirmed nearer the time).

Any substitutions made will only come into effect AFTER the substitution window closes and substitutes can only replace other dogs in the team, they cannot be additions to a team.

The winning trainer will be the one who has the highest winning strike rate from ALL dogs in a team that have started the required number of 15 races by the end of the year.

We will provide regular updates on the competition here on the website (including a leaderboard which will be regularly updated) and will also contact all trainers via email (addresses to be provided as part of team registration) with any competition news we feel is essential, such as details of the substitution window or urgent rule clarification.

An example of how the competition works Trainer A has 20 greyhounds in his kennel and therefore enters the required 3 dogs for his team. 2 of these dogs start 75 races between them by the end of the year, with 10 wins between them. The third dog completes only 6 races (having won 3) before becoming injured and is substituted. This dog has not started the required 15 races and therefore doesn’t count towards the team strike rate. The substitute dog starts 25 races and wins 3, so he counts towards the team total. In all, Trainer A has had 3 dogs counting towards his strike rate and between them they have started 100 races, winning 13.

This gives Trainer A a win rate of 13%.

Trainer B has just 4 dogs in her kennel and chooses to enter only 1 for her team. This dog starts 17 races and wins 4 before being sold before the transfer window starts. She therefore decides to add a substitute and this dog starts 33 races with 6 wins. In all, Trainer A has had 2 dogs counting towards her strike rate, between them starting 50 races and winning 10.

This gives Trainer B a win rate of 20%, which would beat Trainer A. Enter your team A reminder that the competition is only open to greyhound trainers and professional greyhound trainers currently licenced by the GBGB and each trainer can submit only 1 entry.

Visit www.thegta.co.uk now to enter.

OWNERS BONUS SERIES EVERY FINAL FROM 21 JAN-20 FEB

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or years here in the UK we have been starved of stake races for all grades of greyhounds but not anymore. I think the GBGB deserve massive credit for getting these off the ground, competition is what sport is all about and now thank goodness owners have a chance of being involved in them.

Competitions normally involve 18 greyhounds with a heat and final worth £500 to the winner, £100 for each finalist (total £1,100 prize-money for finals) we really should be celebrating these; these are this month’s winners, congratulations from everyone at Greyhound Express.

We must also thank the governing body for allowing us to use results directly off www.thedogs.co.uk thank-you GBGB as all the results come straight from that website.

into the times, it was a messy race I would certainly keep an eye on the two Heaton runners in the future especially Barbican Bullet the 0.75L victory in 29.74 -100 does not do him justice this was impressive.

BELLE VUE Monty is on the march

Manchester tracks first BGRF Owners Series final of the year and it looks like to have thrown up a couple of useful types. A4 was the grade on the ticket but with heat winners Kellsboro Monty for Brian Thompson scoring in a sensational 27.90 +10 with a winning margin 8.25L and Danielles Bell for Jill Llewellin winning in 28.08 +10 by 7L it was set up nicely for a great final. Punters sent off Danielles Bell the 5/4 favourite with Kellsboro Monty 7/4, it was 5/1 bar and turned out to be a two dog race, Bell got first run but the much improved Monty was not to be denied and showed blistering middle pace he took the race by 2.25L in 29.00 -100.

In Kellsboro Monty’s previous ten starts at the zoo he could only muster a single victory and that was in A5, no doubt he will now find himself in A1 but fair play to Brian Thompson he got him to peak when it mattered.

CRAYFORD Flower blooms for Cusack

The Owners Bonus Series kicked off at the Kent venue with an A7 stake. Riverside Chloe and Dance Flyer were sent off the 5/2 joint favourites but it was 6/1 shot Flowerofmacroom who was triumphant. Patsy Cusack’s charge was beaten 5.5L in the heats by Riverside Chloe but with a little help managed to turn that around.

Flowerofmacroom had to ride crowding at the first-bend but coming out of the second she took full advantage of the deliberate interference by Patsy Cusack’s other runner Dance Flyer who put pay to Riverside Chloe’s chances, Chloe battled well and tried to get back in the race but went down gallantly by 0.75L in 24.61.

Bev’s bullet is on target

A very impressive one-two for Bev Heaton in this A5 competition, the winner Barbican Bullet wants watching he has a 28.69 on his CV around Shelbourne Park, there will be more to come from this fella. Sent off the 6/4 favourite after his demolition job in the heats winning by over 4L in a calculated 28.44 it is testament to Bev’s other runner Tyrur Hernandez that he ensured the favourite had to work very hard to come out on top. Don’t read too much

DONCASTER Broomwell has too much jazz

William Brown got Broomwell Jazz to peak when it mattered to record his 2nd win in seventeen starts around Doncaster, he may

ALL THE RESULTS not be a prolific winner but he won the big one so to speak and did it when it mattered. It was an exciting race the only downside was the injury to Curryhills Lord for Alan Stevens, we wish him a speedy recovery. The Doncaster faithful sent Racetothetop off the 7/4 favourite who came out on top of a great battle with Broomwell Jazz in the heats, the latter was to get revenge but when they flashed over the line together it needed the judge to split them, victory went to Broomwell Jazz by a short-head in 31.08.

HENLOW Martin delivers for followers

Richard Yeates has taken the transition from Oxford to Henlow in his stride and is in a rich vein of form. He sent out youngster Holycross Martin to a very impressive victory in the A6 final, he was a warm order at 5/4 and there was never an anxious moment for this August 2011 pup who looks to have a bright future, he won by 4.5L in an impressive 28.32. You look at his breeding Accordello – Wise Susie and you can understand why he has won his first two races, this is a definitely a youngster worth following bigger and better things are sure to come. It is worth mentioning the runnerup also Glenvale Annie a June 2011 whelp connections obviously think highly of her she has been tried in open-race company, perhaps more to come from her also.

HALL GREEN Millridge is crowned king

A8 was the grade to get the series up and running at the Birmingham venue, Unheard Of was sent off the 6/4 favourite after an impressive display in the heats, if you look back at her form she is no stranger to stakes coming runner-up in a nice A5 competition at Thurles. Favourite backers though would be left disappointed after she was in all sorts of trouble on the run-up, keep an eye on her though, sure to be more to come especially around this sort of level. That left the race wide open, the old adage early pace wins the day rang true once more when Miillridge King showed the best early-pace to make the bend in front, once in front he would not be denied but had to hold off Magical Naomi who came home like an express train but King would hold on for Michael James by a neck in 29.85 -20.

KINSLEY Liss is pretty impressive

A5 stake action kicks the series off at the Yorkshire venue, Liss Pretty for Judy Sutton hit form at the right time making all in the heats and producing an almost carbon copy in the final. Liss Pretty showed superior early-pace and easily made the bend and although Glenburn Duke tried hard Judy’s girl never really looked like getting beat and still had 1L in hand at the winning post and recorded 28.09 +20.

OWNERS BONUS SERIES Parker’s ace too good for lady

A5 Owners Bonus Series, favourite backers must have thought they were going to collect when 7/4F Polkadot Lady flashed from traps and hit the front. They were to be denied though when 4/1 shot Ace Cailin for Christine Parker put in a powerful performance to hit the front at the 3rd bend, it was race over and she went on to cross the line 2.25L to the good in 28.02 +30.

MILDENHALL Moss grabs pole position

A6 event that through up a surprise except for perhaps the connections of Billy Moss who lets be fair put in a great performance.

It was a messy race with every runner suffering trouble of some sort, you have to admire Julie Pearson’s greyhound he had the heart, determination to come out on top and he did exactly that by 1.75L in 24.09. Billy Moss is open to any amount of improvement he does not turn two till July and it looks very much like there is more to come from him, watch this space!

Chick is too cool for doc

This was a cracking race which saw Coolcholly Chick 11/4 for R Thompson come out on top but it was a ding dong battle all the way with Doc Tashadelek, the latter showed superior early-pace but was joined at the head of proceedings by Chick at the half-way stage who narrowly hit the front, from that point it was race on and could have gone either way, they crossed the line with Coolcholly Chick in front by a neck in 28.36 (calc). It was a wide open betting final with Longmeadow Mojo getting a narrow vote to become the 5/2 favourite he never in truth looked like winning, a greyhound worth mentioning is Vigorous Willie a September 2007 whelp what a credit to connections he is still competitive at his age long may he continue.

Blackrose bolts in

Eric Cantillon is a quality trainer, you see his greyhounds under the ‘Blackrose’ prefix popping up on the winner’s podium regularly on the open-race scene and he is especially formidable around his home track of Mildenhall. He sent out Blackrose Bolt a June 2011 whelp to victory in this 545m S5 stake in fine fashion, Aintshecute after an impressive performance in the heats was sent off the 6/4F but it was the youngster Bolt at 3/1 who was just too good on the day, he won by 1.5L in 34.76 +25.

ALL THE RESULTS MONMORE Pearl delivers a gem

An A8 stake at Monmore might not get the pulse racing normally but this was a cracker. Little Jessica was a very warm order and was duly sent off the 1/1 money favourite. Supporters were left disappointed when Aughaloora Pearl put in a very impressive performance to seal the victory by the narrowest of margins, Pearl and Jessica flashed across the line together but Pat Curtin’s bitch had just done enough to take the stake by a head in 29.15 +30. Little Jessica may have come unstuck in the final but she looks like a puppy with a big future and I would expect her to go through the grades and eventually compete at a higher level.

Spike finds top form

A5 stake goes to Wheres Spike for Paul Sallis, this is a youngster that is making his way nicely through the grades at Monmore. I am sure this victory will have given the team a lot of satisfaction being bred by Pauls partner Esther Driver. This breeding and training combination will take much bigger prizes in the coming months and years but this was a nice win. Wheres Spike possesses that winning ingredient early-pace with that in his armoury it will stand him in good stead for the future, he missed his break here but to the delight of favourite backers he still had the gears to come out of the first bend in front, that was the writing on the wall for the rest and he crossed the line with 3.25L in hand in 29.69 -50.

NEWCASTLE Ruby is a star at the toon

Handicaps divide opinions and definitely more popular in the North than down South, I grew up on the flapping tracks of Lancashire and although I would not be a fan of a full meeting of handicaps, I feel they have a place on the card; it is something a little different. The punters made Debbie Calvert’s Adamant Flo the 1/1F off a whopping eight metres start but it was Debbie’s other runner Star Ruby 9/4 off scratch who would win the day, Adamant Flo got off to a great start and was out in front, Ruby was picking them off one by one and finally got to Flo at the 4th bend when the writing was on the wall, it was a brilliant one-two for Debbie Calvert with 1L separating her runners at the line in 29.20.

NOTTINGHAM Johno is too strong for Susie

Salacres Johno for Peter Harnden takes the A3 stake with an impressive strong running display, sent off at 7/2 there was a lot of support for Haliska Miller backed into 7/4F but first bend trouble put pay to her chances, I doubt though on this evidence that she could have beaten Johno on the day, he suffered his own first bend trouble but once he got around the first couple of bends he set off in pursuit of early leader Dromana Susie, this was impressive he finished full of running and had an ever increasing 2L margin over his rivals on the line in a fast 30.37 +30. I’d expect Salacres Johno to be good enough to pick up a small maiden open, watch out for him in coming weeks.

OWNERS BONUS SERIES Tuffin’s Ricky strikes gold

Mottos holds on for Cook

PELAW GRANGE Sue realises dream

PETERBOROUGH Spillane’s Ravel is too good

Laurence Tuffin is a quality trainer, not that many years ago you would have found him challenging for major honours on SkySports and featuring high up on the open-race trainers table. You need the ammunition in the kennel and while his kennel may no longer be star studded he is still churning out the winners at Nottingham. Granard Ricky made it back to back wins in the A5 stake final, he did it in the most exciting fashion, coming home like an express train; high, wide and handsome to snatch victory from Tullna River by a short-head in 30.77 +10 at odds of 4/1.

A4 stake at Pelaw Grange produces one of the best finals of the month and sure to have thrown up a couple of likely youngsters. The locals sent off Bramble Shearer the 7/4 favourite and although this was not his day he is a greyhound that looks very much a likely improver and is worth following. There was not 2L to separate any of the finalists and turning for home all six set of connections cranked up the volume believing they were in with a chance, Hands On Dec was the long-time leader but in the end it was Dream On Sue for R Thompson who came from last to first to win by a neck, all six greyhounds virtually flashed over the line together, the winning time of 27.09 -30 is immaterial this was a fantastic race. Dream On Sue is not two till July and looks to have a decent future, not sure 435m around Pelaw Grange plays to her strengths but watch out for her.

Gavin Cook lands the A2 final with Mottos Black, but bet he and favourite backers were nervous come the winning line, he showed superior early-pace to his rivals and looked like being an easy winner to the delight of supporters who had taken the 7/4, if the race would have been over 436m instead of 435m then Luttons Chico supporters would have been celebrating, you would have to say Chico was a very unlucky loser, once again though the value of early-pace is shown and Mottos Black had just a neck to spare at the line in 26.19.

Sarah Spillane only took out her license on the 1st January and just over one month in and she is sending out Ravel to land the A6 final at Peterborough. It is great to see young talented trainers coming into the sport, Sarah has a fine pedigree growing up in the sport both of her parents have been trainers and she gained valuable experience at David Pruhs which will stand her in good stead.

Ravel 4/1 broke well and swept around the first bend to come out in front, he then set sail for home, the pack were closing but Sarah Spillane would not be denied her first BAGS Owners Series Final win, he held on by 0.75L in a good 25.83 +10.

ALL THE RESULTS Princess crowned the Queen

Young Spillane was looking to make it a quick fire double of final wins but Butterbridge Ref who was impressive in the heats suffered bumping at the start and that put pay to his chances. Sabrina Saberton sent out 6/4f Elinor Dancer but it was Sabrina’s other runner Eskimo Princess 4/1 who led them all a merry dance, she was lengths clear in a matter of strides and in truth it was race over at the 1st bend, Princess did come back to the field but never looked like being beaten and crossed the line 1L to the good in 26.30 +20.

POOLE Black’s castle denies Gene

This was not a race for the feint hearted, Brasscastle for William Black was sent off the 7/4f, pinged out and looked like race over but what was about to happen added real drama to proceedings, Ide Blue Gene 5/2 came out of the clouds and actually passed Brasscastle on the home run and looked all over the winner but somehow Brasscastle came back and got back up to the delight of his supporters by a short-head in 27.53 -10. In the heats Brasscastle won that by a short-head and the youngster does like to give supporters a fright but he now has won two from only four starts.

ROMFORD Teagan is queen of Romford

A quality A2 final saw Teagan Queen for Jim Reynolds blow them away in the heats clocking a sensational 24.18 +20, so was no surprise to see Queen sent off a very strong 5/4 favourite for the final. Jim never had an anxious moment, flashing from traps recording a 4.68 sectional it was just a matter of how far Queen would win by; it was 3.75L in 24.51. I can see Teagan Queen being more than good enough to win a small maiden open over course and distance sometime in the future, this was a very impressive run.

Alison does a one-two

Ballyoak Lord was sent off the 6/4 favourite for the A7 final after an impressive heat victory but Alison Ingram’s other runner 3/1 shot Contented Soul comes out on top. Soul flashed from traps and recorded a smart 3.78 split that ensured she was out and gone, while the favourite was forced to check Contented Soul was out in front making her best way home, in truth defeat never looked likely and although the gap was closing she still had the best part of three lengths in hand in 25.13 -20 over the favourite to complete a nice one-two for Alison Ingram.

OWNERS BONUS SERIES SHAWFIELD Athlacca majors for Carter

Something a little different at Scotland’s only licensed track the series races are handicaps, Athlacca Major for J Carter was the scratch runner but this son of Kinloch Brae, passed every rival to come out on top and grab the £500 first prize. The punters sent off More Fame and Tyrone Bell View the 9/4 joint favourites off receiving five and eight metres start respectively but that was not enough of a deficit to prevent Major taking it in style with a power packed finish to land the race by 1L in 30.10 at odds of 4/1.

Nire is on fire for O’Donnell

Michael O’Donnell’s Nire Orla 11/4 put in a professional performance to win the A5 final in good style, showing good earlypace, she ran a great couple of bends to open up a lead and never looked like being caught, she had 2L in hand in 30.85 -40. Fast Defector the 2/1F saw his chance disappear with crowding but will have other days,

Caesar rules for Hopkins SHEFFIELD Jack takes it in style

One of the most impressive owner’s bonus series winners of the month was Bugtin Jack for Norman Melbourne. Since arriving from Ireland it has not taken this strong running dog long to find his feet but he saved his best form for when it counts the final. Sent off a 3/1 shot, he took up the running down the back and powered away from a decent field to win very comfortably by 5.25L in 29.85 -20. This was very impressive and it looks like this fella will always pay his way on any graded strength and must be a pleasure to own.

Craig Hopkins is a popular trainer always smiling, a real nice guy and great to see him getting success, Donnas Caesar was sent off the 9/4 joint favourite but Azzurri Olly 5/2 for Elaine Parker looked to have the race sewn up, Craig Hopkin’s charge though had other ideas and came through on the run in to take the A2 final by 0.75L in 29.44. This was a good run and you would think there is more to come from the winner, you should also add Azzurri Olly in your notebooks more to come from Elaine Parkers puppy in coming weeks and months.

ALL THE RESULTS SITTINGBOURNE Express runs away with it

Bernie Connolly’s Knowsley Express took this A7 contest in good fashion after being crowded at the 1st bend connections could have been forgiven for thinking it was perhaps not their day.

They had no need to worry; this is a gutsy greyhound with a nice will to win, he powered down the back to hit the front at the 3rd bend to win comfortably by 2.75L in a smart 30.22 -30. Bernie Connolly is a trainer worth watching, she has an impressive record and improved several greyhounds in her care a kennel that definitely knows the time of day.

SUNDERLAND Armitage away and gone

Havana Heights came into the competition in flying form, she had won back to back A5 and A4 grades and made it the hat-trick in the heats of this A3 stake. Havana was sent off a warm 5/4 favourite. The race was over though at the start when 5/1 Armitage Shanks blasted from traps and although Julie calvert’s early pacer was picked up in the heats the winning line would come in time. He crossed the line 1.25L in front of Havana Heights in a very decent 28.53 -60. Armitage Shanks before this competition took apart an A5 contest by over 6L and if you looked back in the form book he had clocked 29.12 around Clonmel, possibly even more to come from him in this country.

No maybe about it

Maybe Bluey was sent off the 11/10F for David Griggs in the A5 final, this was only his 3rd ever race and this youngster promises to have a bright future. He did not have it all his own way, Jakes Law 7/2 ensured after the favourite hit the front at the 3rd bend he kept going, the race belonged to Bluey he had 0.75L to spare in 30.13 -30, this won’t be the last time you about this dog I’m sure.

The runner up Jakes Law is also worth following, this was a decent race and sure to throw up plenty of winners.

Lynas raider takes the spoils

Glenn Lynas trained Colmyaro Raider 2/1F need to reverse the form with Head Rocket 7/2 from the heats and the betting suggested there was confidence behind this happening, the punters were proven right. Colmyaro Raider broke fantastic and with his rails pitch ensured he would come out the first bend in front after showing good pace, Macys Mad Dog 4/1 tried to reel in the pacesetter but his efforts were in vein there was still 0.75L between them at the line in 28.46. This race will no doubt throw up some useful types; it was packed with youngsters.

OWNERS BONUS SERIES SWINDON Drogba is on target

Hughes Out On Town Tonight

Porter’s Emerald Shines

WIMBLEDON No dilemma for Sharons

Not that often you will see odds-on shots in graded races but on this occasion it was more than justified, Riverside Drogba 4/5F for John Peterson was simply on a different level to the opposition here, not even a slow-break followed by 2nd bend crowding would prevent him from winning the A5 final, he showed terrific middle-pace to hit the front at the 3rd bend and then pulled away to win by 2.75L in 30.18 -70. This is a youngster that could easily go through the grades and wants watching that is for sure, very impressive performance.

Darryl Porter’s Clodiagh Emerald 9/2 put in the perfect performance to land the A3 stakes final at Swindon, trapping well she powered to the bend and ensured every post was a winning one, the 3/1F Shelbourne Louie although in pursuit was never going to catch Emerald who was a comfortable 2.25L in front at the line in 29.12 +10. It was almost a repeat performance of the heats and at this sort of level Clodiagh Emerald is a force to be reckoned with and plenty more wins sure to come with her formidable early-pace.

Sonia Hughes could be forgiven for going down town tonight and celebrating after her greyhound put in a brilliant performance to land the A4 stakes final. Downtowntonight 7/4f was well fancied but after suffering 2nd bend crowding the favourite looked in trouble but showed great pace for this level and ensured his supporters would not be left disappointed, he managed to hit the front at the 3rd bend and went onto win by 1.5L in 29.54 +10. You would say there is more to come from Sonia’s greyhound in the future; he definitely looks capable of performing at least a couple of grades higher.

Favourite backers got it right here at the Don’s A4 final in the form of Sharons Dilemma for John Simpson. Dilemma was very impressive in her heat victory but more than justified being sent off the 5/4 jolly, trapping out very well clocking a 5.80 sectional, she easily made the corner in front, in truth never looked like getting beat and had 3.5L in hand at the winning line in very fast (for the grade) 29.00 +20.

ALL THE RESULTS Lennys Blows Them Away

In all fairness this was a demolition job by Richard Rees trained Lennys Lubo 5/4F he was very strong in the market and it was difficult to make a case for any of his competitors, he surged past Opening Bailey 7/2 at the 3rd bend and powered on to the finish scoring by 4L in 29.89. Platinum Wellard 6/1 was best of the rest with Jitter Bug 7/2 in 3rd, this is a puppy that could be worth following and is open to improvement.

Jackdaw Is Still Flying

The one time open-race star was once used to wowing crowds on Sky-Sports, these days it’s the crowd at Yarmouth he wows, incredibly this was his 148th career start, what a credit he is for Irene Barnard. He was sent off the 5/2JF showing he still possesses the guts and determination to win, even crowding late on could not prevent this truly brilliant greyhound from getting up close home to land the spoils by 0.5L in 28.55 +10. Nobody would deny this great greyhound his place once again among the headline makers and long may it continue.

YARMOUTH McDermott’s Girl Is Brave

Burnpark Brave was sent off a warm 6/4F but could only manage 3rd place behind Tony McDermott’s Maureens Girl who does the business in the A1 final at 5/1, she had to be brave at the 3rd bend when crowded and then put in a massive effort to hold off Riverside Talbot 2/1, there was only a short-head between them at the line in 28.43 +20. This was a very good race some useful dogs, you would have to say Maureens Girl is worth keeping an eye on.

Stay in touch with the all the action, in-depth reports and fullest results from the Owner’s Bonus Series every month in your Greyhound Express – the newest and brightest Greyhound Racing magazine!

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BREEDING GROUND

English Derby winners go to stud in Ireland

DERBY WINNERS go to STUD DERBY WINNERS go to STUD last two Derby Snapper winners,Blonde The last twoheEnglish DerbyEnglish winners,Blonde (2012), andSnapper Taylors Sky (2011) have both (2012), and Taylors Sky (2011) have both recently taken The last two Snapper (2012), andthe Taylors Skyat(2011) have both recently takenEnglish up studDerby dutieswinners,Blonde in Ireland. Blonde Snapper is with Dunphys their 'Droopys up stud duties in Ireland. Blonde Snapper is with the recently taken up stud duties in Ireland.

Blonde Snapper is with the Dunphys at their 'Droopys Stud' , whilst Taylors Sky is standing with the Bourkes at 'Newpark Stud'.

Dunphys at their ‘Droopys Stud’, whilst Taylors Sky is Stud' , whilst Taylors Sky is standing with theStud’.

Bourkes at 'Newpark Stud'. standing with the Bourkes at ‘Newpark Blonde Snapper Blonde Snapper Larkhill Jo Droopys Kewell Larkhill Jo Perrys Pusher Droopys Kewell Blonde Snapper Perrys Pusher Daves Mentor Blonde Snapper Rough Charley Daves Mentor Charquest Rough Charley Charquest Snapper three Group races.

AsEnglish well asderby the English Snapper won won 3 Group 1 races.

As 1well as the (480m), Derhe also won the William by (480m), he also1won the Hill classic Sunderland Snapper wonat 3Sunderland Group races.

As William well as the English derby (480m), he also won theofWilliam Hill classic (450m), and the Golden sprint atatRomford (400m).

Some his best (450m), and the Golden sprint at Romford (400m).

Hill classic at Sunderland (450m), and the Golden sprint at Romford (400m).

Some of times include a 26.59 TR at Sunderland,23.79 at Romford, and 28.41 at Wimbledon. his best Some of his best times include a 26.59 TR at Sunderland,23.79 times include a 26.59 TR at Sunderland,23.79 at Romford, and 28.41 at Wimbledon. at Romford, and 28.41 at Wimbledon.

HisHis sire sire Droopys Kewell, a regular source of early pace, seems to have passed that on to his Droopys Kewell, a regular source of early pace, seems His sire Droopys Kewell, a regular source of early pace, seems to have passedincluding that onWhite toopen hisSoks son Blonde Snapper.

'Snapper's dam Rough Charley was a winner of 8 races raceRoks – Ladbrokes Golden Jacket (714m) Winner to have passed that on to his son Blonde Snapper. Snapper’s son Blonde Snapper.

'Snapper's dam was She a winner of race 8 races wins over 475m at Walthamstow, andRough 540m atraces Crayford. also blotted herincluding copybookopen whenrace dam Rough Charley was a winner of 8Charley including open Head Honcho winsover over475m 475m atWalthamstow.

Walthamstow, and 540m at Crayford. alsoher copybook when wins atatWalthamstow, and 540m at Crayford.

She alsoShe blotted being disqualified Cry Havoc Wee Sal blotted her copybook when being disqualified at Walthamstow. being disqualified at Walthamstow.

Royal Impact New Tears Taylors Sky Five Dimensions Golden Fox Taylors Sky White Soks Roks Spiral Nikita Late Late Show Sonic Flight Ullid Citrate Lemon Rita Westmead Hawk Sonic Flight Boyne Walk Mega Delight Lemon Holly Westmead Hawk Lemon Roisin Taylors Sky Mega Delight Droopys Kewell Taylors Sky Rising Angel White Soks Roks the winner of the 2013 Ladbrokes Golden Jacket. TheGolden final White Sokswas Roks was the winner of the 2013 Ladbrokes Droopys Kewell Rising Singer also contained his litter brother Paulines Pride (6 ).

Rising Angel Jacket. The final also contained his litter brother Paulines Pride Rising Singer (6th).

Taylors Sky has competed in top class all of his career, with Sire Royal Impact is an Australian import noted for throwing early pace. White SoksSire RoksRoyal hassuccess. put Impact this early is pace good advantage winningnoted approximately 50% of antoAustralian import for throwing Taylors Sky has competed in top class all of his career, with 2011 bringing unbelievable 2011 bringing unbelievable success. his races. early pace.

White Soks Roks has put this early pace to good advanAs well as winning the 2011 English Derby, he also won the Taylors Sky has competed in top class all of his career, with 2011 bringing unbelievable success.

As well as winning the 2011 English derby, he also won the Henlow Derby (460m),Ritaandwon 9 out of 21 races and finished 3 in the Leinster Oaks. Some Dam Lemon winning approximately 50% of his races.

2011 Henlow Derby theheLadbrokes Gold Cup at Derby oftage best times were 28.97 Enniscorthy,28.91 Clonmel, 29.11 Kilkenny, and As well as winning the Englishand derby, also won 2011 Henlow (460m), the Ladbrokes Gold cup2011 at(460m), Monmore (480m).

Some of histhebest times include a her 28.17 TR inand the 30.20(550) at Shelbourne Park.

Dam Lemon Rita won 9 out of 21 races finished 3rd in Monmore (480m).

Some of his best times include a 28.17 TR the Ladbrokes Gold cup at Monmore Some of hisDerby best times theShow was a household name in Irelandand Derby final at Wimbledon, and a 27.08(480m).

TR in the Henlow semiinclude final. a 28.17 sire TR Latein Late where he was noted for the Leinster Oaks.

Some of her best times were 28.97 Enniscorin the Derby final at Wimbledon, and a 27.08 TR in the Henlow Rita's tremendous late finishing surges. He twice broke the Shelbourne Park 600yds TR Derby final at Wimbledon, and a 27.08 TR in the Henlow Derby semi final. his thy,28.91 Clonmel, 29.11 Kilkenny, and 30.20(550) at Shelbourne Derby semi final. a 32.20 best. He was runner up (to Cool Performance) beaten only a head in the HisHis sire sire Westmead Hawk Hawk was himself double English Derby winner (2005,with 2006) and has Derby. He won the 2001 Tote Gold Cup, as well as winning Park.

2001 Irish Greyhound Westmead was aa double English Derby winner His sire Westmead Hawk was himself a double English Derby winner (2005, 2006) and has the Easter Cup in both andShow 2002. Some best times included Sh.Pk. proven himself as a champion sire.

Taylors Sky's dam Rising Angel was an early paced type Rita’s sire Late2001 Late wasofahis household name 28.46 in Ireland (2005, 2006) and has proven himself as a champion sire. Taylors 29.81(550) Sh.Pk. 28.67 Harolds Cross and 29.89(550) HX. proven himself as a champion sire.

Taylors Sky's dam Rising Angel was an early paced type winning 5 out of 11 races including a 28.76 at Shelbourne Park. where he was noted for his tremendous late finishing surges.

Sky’s dam Rising Angel was an early paced type winning 5 out of Rita's dam Lemon Holly won races at Kilkenny and Enniscorthy and was sired byHe twiceWalk broke the sire Shelbourne Park on 600yds TR with a 32.20 best.

11 races including a 28.76 at Shelbourne Park. winning 5 out of 11 races including a 28.76 at Shelbourne Park.

Boyne another noted for passing early pace.

T

BLONDE SNAPPER

White Soks Roks – Ladbrokes Golden Jacket (714m) Winner

TAYLORS SKY

th

rd

WITH JOHN MARRIOTT He was runner up (to Cool Performance) beaten only a head in the 2001 Irish Greyhound Derby. He won the 2001 Tote Gold Cup, as well as winning the Easter Cup in both 2001 and 2002. Some of his best times included 28.46 Sh.Pk. 29.81(550) Sh.Pk. 28.67 Harolds Cross and 29.89(550) HX. Rita’s dam Lemon Holly won races at Kilkenny and Enniscorthy and was sired by Boyne Walk another sire noted for passing on early pace.

Rockview Sail Pic: Steve Nash

ROCKVIEW SAIL

Rockview Sail – WINNER Coronation cup 575m Romford EJ's Douglas Hondo Black Hondo Sassafrass

Rockview Sail Spiral Nikita Babyshan Axle Grease

Hey Vern Abigail Girl RB's Ruler Hondo Tormentor Phantom Flash Minnies Nikita Top Honcho Fees Chance

Rockview Sail justified favouritism when favouritism winning the Coronation over 575m atthe Romford.

Rockview Sail justified whencupwinning CoronaHis sire Hondo Black won the $50,000 Southland Derby and is well established as a good solid all tion round Cup sire. over 575m at Romford.

Dam Babyshan an early paced typewon winning Kilkenny and 30.25 (550yds) at Cork.

His sirewasHondo Black thein 29.42 $50,000 Southland Derby and is Her brother Royal Delight recorded a 320yd TR at Lifford, whilst another brother Royal Warrior well established as a good solid all round sire. won the Champion stakes final at Lifford before winning the 2009 Gorton cup at Belle Vue (470m).

She hails fromBabyshan a fabulous damwas line. an early paced type winning in 29.42 KilkDam

Breeding Funny ( A light hearted look at Greyhound breeding)

Why am I doing this ? Probably theFunny most frequent question I ask myself.

Breeding

enny and 30.25 (550yds) at Cork.

Babyshans sire Spiral Nikita was the winner of the 1997 Guinness 600 at Shelbourne Park. He Her brother Royal Delight recorded 320yd TR at Lifford, Irish greyhound Derby behind litter a sister Tina Marina. also finished 3rd in the 1996 Babyshans dam Axle Grease was a finalist in theWarrior 2002 Irish Oaks a year later to whilst another brother Royal wonbefore thereturning Champion stakes win the 2003 Irish Oaks in 28.64 at Shelbourne Park .She also recorded 28.42 at Sh.Pk. final atwas Lifford winning cup Axle Grease sired by before super sire Top Honcho, the whilst2009 her damGorton Fees Chance is a at halfBelle sister toVue amongst others English and Scottish derby winner Some Picture. She was top class in her own (470m). right.

(A light hearted look at Greyhound breeding)

Why am “I I doing thisI ?had Probably most frequent question Time and again people say to me wish yourthejob”...usually on aI lovely w ask myself. sunny day in the middle of August, pups soaking up the sun on lush green gras Time and again people say to me “I wish I had your job”...usually picture postcard. Now.... reality winter layer upon laye on a lovelyFreezing warm sunny cold day in the middle weather, of August, pups soaking She hails from a fabulous dam line. up the sun on lush green grass.

A picture postcard. so that look like 'michelin' man (don't know if this affects my body m Babyshans sire Spiral Nikitaclothing was the winner of the I1997 GuinNow.... reality Freezing cold winter weather, layer upon layer of ness 600 at Shelbourne Park. He also finished 3rd in the 1996 Irish index).This clothing is alsoclothing permanently coloured.

On the all t so that I lookmud like ‘michelin’ man (don’t knowplus if thisside... afgreyhound Derby behind litter sister Tina Marina. fects my body mass index).This clothing is also permanently mud will ingive meIrish a lovely complexion, or so the skin experts say. At least I ho Babyshans dam Axle Greasemud was a finalist the 2002 Oaks coloured before returning a year later tomud win the!2003 Irish Oaks in 28.64 at . On the plus side... all that mud will give me a lovely complexShelbourne Park .She also recorded 28.42 at Sh.Pk. ion, or so the skin experts say. At least I hope it’s mud !

Axle Grease was sired by super sire Top Honcho, whilst her dam This month the snow arrived again,so we decided to take some Fees Chance is a half sister to amongst others English Scottish This month the and snow arrived again,so decided to take some photos of photos of the pupswe playing in the snow. derby winner Some Picture. She was top class in her own right.

What you don’t see is what happened about two seconds later.

playing in the snow.

White Soks Roks Pic: Steve Nash

the p

Yours truly was the ‘victim’ of a two footed ‘tackle’. Again I ask myself....Why am I doing this ?

What you don't see is what happened about 2 seconds later. Yours truly was the 'victim' of a two footed 'tackle'. Again I ask myself....Why am I doing this ?

COLUMNISTS

Rab McNair – the columnist the greyhound world wanted When it comes to greyhound characters they simply do not get any bigger than Rab McNair when we did a poll this is the man you all wanted, so here he is exclusive to Greyhound Express – the one and only Rab McNair!

Rab with his wife Liz

M

yself and Liz are really lucky to train dogs for Brendan Keogh, he is always on scouting missions looking to buy new talented greyhounds.

We just have two new recruits freshly in; Shaneboy Alley, (Ballymac Maeve – Shaneboy Dorie, April 2010), this lads a flying machine clocked 28.37 around Tralee in December and Shaneboy Spencer, (Droopys Scolari – Shaneboy Maria, November 2009), he has some massive runs also the pick being 28.52 at Harolds Cross.

They have a bit of age but really impressed with them we just have to get them performing in the UK now and we will have some fun. Mr Kiely has done a fine job with them and you’re lucky to get dogs in of this calibre.

A couple of greyhounds on their way out include Express Trend. She has been a fantastic bitch for us winning the Prestige and countless opens, she will soon be heading to Pat Dalton’s to take up breeding duties, can’t wait to get one of her pups back she is a champion.

Oneco Cool came over for a crack at The Golden Jacket. The track never really suited him but we gave it a go. He is a lovely dog, I’m sure he will win plenty of races, he has gone back to Ian Reilly, I would like to thank

the boys for sending him over and best of luck with him at Shelbourne Park.

A bitch I am very excited about is Skate On. She has terrific early pace, we are waiting for her to come into season (due around March), get that over with and then the big plan is The William Classic at Sunderland and hopefully the Yarmouth Derby.

She will not be alone we have a young dog here King Nicky.

I like him – he has great early pace, he is a short-runner over 480m but the plan is he

will be campaigned alongside Skate On but he is not just going for the ride, this fella can run.

Pups

Me and Liz love the pups, nothing like seeing them grow and then performing on the track. You will probably remember our bitch Shaws Dilemma, she won the English Puppy and Oaks proper, a sensational bitch for us.

We are just schooling her first litter now

by College Causeway, they have had a cou-

RAB McNAIR ple of handslips and showing pace but I am completely in love with her second litter to Droopys Scolari. They are only four months old but I love them.

We have around six pups just starting out at Wimbledon to give them some experience.

King Rab is worth looking out for but we have high hopes for them and hopefully they will make open class.

For One Night Only I was A Blind Rocker

That lunatic Livesey said I have to write a story. It is OK for him he would not have to do the jail (only joking).

Every month I search the memory bank and tell you a true story.

Before me and Liz took out our GBGB licence we used to be involved on the flaps.

We had a dog called Crock Of Gold, he was a champion, brilliant dog and everyone got to know him, you would never get a bet on him.

The problem was he was a very nervous dog so we could never give him to anyone else to walk on for us.

There was nothing else for it we entered him at Ellesmere Port and decided I’d have to go in disguise.

They got me a wig with long hair and these spectacles, they were like jam jars I could not see a thing.

Seriously I looked like a blind rock star, I walked in with the dog bumping into everything, and it nearly went terribly wrong as I almost fell over the hare rail but somehow I managed to pull it off.

The lids opened and out he sprang. I could not see so took off the glasses and with all the excitement the wig came off but he did the business and broke the track-record in the process.

My cover was blown but we got paid out and everyone had a good laugh. He was a brilliant dog Crock Of Gold, wish I had a kennel full of them.

If anyone needs an undercover agent I am your man; Rab McNair greyhounds very own James Bond available and ready to serve if the price is right.

Do you have a question for Rab or would like to have a greyhound trained by him and Liz You can e-mail any questions to greyhounds2008@live.co.uk

It’s Usain Bolt!

Now on Facebook and Twitter!

My latest photos are now being posted straight onto my Facebook page.

Visit Facebook.com/SteveNashPhotography or follow me on Twitter @SteveNashPhotos.

As Britain’s premier greyhound photographer I get a lot of interest in my work from owners, enthusiasts and the media.

Log on to www.steve-nash.co.uk – this site is designed to provide information on my services, as well as a little glimpse into my involvement in greyhound racing and examples of past photography work.

If you want to find out more about specific projects, or if you’d like a quote on a job, please contact me at photos@steve-nash.co.uk

GENTLEMAN JIM REYNOLDS

Great greyhound racing

By Gentleman Jim Reynolds

Romford

C

oral Romford Greyhound Stadium is the busiest greyhound stadium in the country serving up very competitive graded and open racing with six race meetings every week; when I arrived at Romford in the 1970’s we were racing two nights per week with only 8 races a night.

Who said greyhound racing was a sport in decline?

Romford attracts the best quality open race dogs to their Friday open race night which is very popular with punters and is shown every week on RPGTV, it also services betting shops with BAGS and BEGS racing every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

For a special night out on Friday and Saturday evenings, Romford Stadium is the place to be.

Paul Young has the largest kennel strength at Romford and travels the country in search of open race success. Paul will be competing in the Ladbrokes Trainer Championship at Yarmouth Stadium on March 27th.

He will be competing against trainer of the year Mark Wallis, Charlie Lister, Chris Allsopp, Barrie Draper and Seamus Cahill.

This meeting is one of the most prestigious in the greyhound calendar as it will have the best greyhounds in training all competing in one evening; it is one of the largest attended race meetings of the year and will create the biggest turnover of the year for the betting industry.

Each race carries £1,000 in prize money with £10,000 to the overall winning trainer and £2,000 apiece for the remaining five trainers, and don’t worry if you can’t get to Yarmouth to see this great spectacle as it will be shown live on Sky Sports.

and myself have been to our initial meetings at the head office of the GBGB and were very well received by everyone.

My presentation was in relation to a directive given by the GBGB regarding trainers who feed category 2 and 3 meat and the consequences of getting a food chain positive; the events of the last few weeks showing the problems there is in the human food chain highlight the problems that trainers are facing in relation to this issue. This is being looked into further by members of our committee.

The GTA (greyhound trainers association) are making giant strides in implementing our chairman’s pledge to get GTA appointed trainers represented on all the committees of the GBGB; both Mark Wallis

Orchard Kennels have a few litters of pups going through the grades at Romford at the present; our most successful litter are by ‘Flying Stanley x Borna Moon’ they are May 2011 whelps and have collectively won

GTA

Kennels

24 races, many of them winning good class open races. They were reared and schooled

by Co Tipperary breeder Ruairi Dwan who uses the ‘Borna’ prefix and the litter are well worth following in the coming months.

Another of our former racers Danbury Dodger has had a litter of pups schooled and will be hitting the track soon, the dam was bred at Orchard Kennels and won many open races over 6 and 8 bends so we anticipate this litter of Killahan Phanter pups have a bright future ahead of them.

Former bitch of the year at Romford ‘Pretty Miss’ has her first litter of pups doing their grading trials at Romford just now and the early signs are all positive. The mother won top class races over 4, 6 and 8 bends; the sire is ‘Droopys Scolari’ a proven top class sire.

WHAT’S ON AT COVENTRY GREYHOUND STADIUM

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT THE WEBSITE

IAN BLAND

Our inside man at Crayford I

would like to thank the publishers for this opportunity to bring to you all of the latest hot tips and news at Crayford Stadium.

When talking about our graded runners here there is really only one place to start and that is with track old boy Newlawn Sweep who is a favourite amongst both staff and race goers alike.

The dog was whelped in September 2005 and is still as competitive as ever having won as recently as on 12 February when scoring at odds of 10-1.

During an illustrious career he has won forty seven races and had a further fifty six second place finishes. Sweep had his own special day here when racing on Boxing Day which was his 244th competitive race at Crayford and after running he duly received an award from the track as the new “all time race record holder� after breaking the old record on that day.

The dog is somewhat of an enigma and knows only one style of running which is to give the others a head start and go after them. He is simply an owners dream and continues to put the youngsters in their place, long may it last.

Whilst talking about favourite dogs I am sure that you will all remember Plane Daddy trained by Crayford trainer Gemma Davidson.

Known for his exploits over hurdles owner Chris Sliney recently presented the track with a framed photo of Daddy surrounded by all of his trophies. T hose awards included Grand National winner in 2010, Champion Hurdle winner in 2011 and the Greyhound Board Of Great Britain Hurdler Of TheYear award for both 2010 and 2011.

I understand from Chris that the dog is now enjoying a sofa in East Grinstead but that picture now proudly hanging in our restaurant wall will always remind us here of just what a special dog he was and one who represented Crayford so well.

Amongst the younger generations we have some decent looking newcomers on the racing strength. Express Viking trained

by Patsy Cusack has caught the eye having finished second in his debut race quickly

followed by two back to back wins. The dog has already shown what he is capable of having recorded at fast time of 23.64 seconds over the 380 metres here and despite a subsequent upgrading from A7 to A5 level he still managed to get home by a head is his last run. Early days but he looks a nice type with obvious potential.

Puppy Nemos Rain made it a winning debut here for trainer Julie Luckhurst but the manner of the dogs win strongly suggests that there will be more wins to be had over the next few weeks given that the dog will improve further with race experience.

Having missed her break, when the traps went up, the dog showed plenty of determination for a youngster to move through the field eventually crossing the line three quarters of a length clear.

The June 11 daughter of Hondo Black will undoubtedly improve her sectional

times over the first sixty metres and early pace here wins races. Her finish time of 24.14 seconds for her grade A8 win is good enough to have won a at a couple of grades higher so she is one to follow.

After an excellent 2012 for the track in attendances we are now looking to raise the bar even higher, so it was pleasing to see just how well this years running of our big race The Ladbrokes Golden Jacket 2013, which probably had the best quality starting line up that we have seen for a number of years, was received by the public and press alike.

I would encourage you to come along and experience the unique Crayford atmosphere.

All information about the track can be found on our website www.crayford.com You can also follow us on www.twitter. com/crayforddogs

www.droopys-stud.com Log on to the online home of Droopys Stud. Here you can find the full range of sires available from our Waterford based breeding establishment.

We have up to date pictures of every sire, their prices and in most cases details of the careers both on the track and as sires.

From established famous stud dogs of the calibre of Westmead Hawk, Droopys Maldini and Scolari to upcoming sires in the news right now such as Timor Blue, Duke Special and College Causeway.... we have over 15 of the best performers on the track for you to choose for your bitch.

www.droopys-stud.com

DANNY GOMERSALL

Meet the trainer: Danny Gomersall I

first met Danny at Doncaster in 2012 and have to say I was immediately impressed he was a young man who was passionate about the sport and his dogs.

Danny is a small trainer based in Yorkshire that showed everyone in 2012 he was talented training Restlessfarewell to not only win on Sky Sports but record the fastest time of the year around Doncaster. We thought we would take time out and get to Danny better.

Name: Danny Gomersall.

Age: 27.

Town: Bradford.

Track attached to: Doncaster.

Staff: We only have a few dogs in training so don’t employ any staff myself and my partner Vicky Whitcombe do everything ourselves, we like it this way we know that everyone is done to our high standards.

What do you feed your dogs: I am a great believer in breakfast. We feed cereal, fish, supplements and for main meal we feed Gain biscuits, we make up a beef stew every day but also feed raw beef depending on training and immediate plans.

Give us an example of day in the life at your kennels: Our working day starts at 6am, we walk the dogs for 2.5 miles, get back home massage them then start to prepare the breakfast. The dogs are turned out throughout the day, it is vital for us they don’t hold their urine would hate to think of them uncomfortable.

Depending on racing commitments we gallop each dog depending on their needs, we find most do well off two gallops a week.

The dogs get walked again in the afternoon if not galloped, we mix it up for them taking them to the woods and out in the countryside to keep them fresh, when we return the dogs are groomed, treatments done and anything else that needs doing.

Then we start to prepare their dinner, the dogs are turned out again when required and last turn out if not racing is 21.30pm.

We tailor the day to day routine to suit the individual dogs we try to give them everything they need to perform at the track.

Are you one for supplements?: We use Gains Garmavit and Feramo, we do use

other things when needed, Restlessfarewell needs an Iron supplement so we give him that.

Are you a fan of machines and gadgets?: Yes I would not be without my Ultrasound or Mag Box, I think you have to embrace modern technology but we still do the traditional methods just add the modern ones in also.

Best dog in kennel: Restlessfarewell at the moment he has been a great dog for us, we have some youngsters catching him up though.

What plans do you have?: It is hard when you’re a small trainer he has not been accepted for a few opens when he is definitely good enough. We will keep looking

for one off opens and hopefully take in a few competitions along the way.

Give us a dog to look out for: Roedhelm Rita, she is February 2011 but just starting out, she has the potential to go through the grades and looks like she stays strong, fingers crossed but a nice bitch.

How much are your training fees?: We only have a small team and charge £4.50 a day if anyone wanted to give us a dog get in touch.

What are your hopes and aspirations within the sport?: Would love to have a dog that won a nice competition, to have one to go in the Derby with and could compete would be fantastic, guess like everyone be a dream to win the Derby.

Apart from your track which is your favourite and why?: Sheffield, really enjoy it everyone is so friendly and they have great facilities always seem to have a good night, behind Doncaster this is my favourite track for sure.

Which greyhound running at the moment you would like to train?: Ballymac Eske, booth myself and Vicky love him, it’s such a thrill to see him race, I’d love to get up every morning and have him in kennel be a dream come true.

Best dog you have ever seen live?: Same as above Ballymac Eske he is a star.

Why should people get involved in Ownership?: Greyhound racing is fantastic, it fairly cheap compared to most hobbies but none deliver the excitement this sport gives you. It is a great way to meet new people and have a brilliant night out.

Advice for people starting out: If someone is new to the game I’d suggest they buy a dog already on a track, pups are great but if they don’t race it could spoil it for them, get a dog already racing and join in the fun, maybe go pup route at a later date.

What do you like to do away from the sport?: I love sport; boxing, darts, football especially Bradford’s cup exploits but I love cooking and like nothing more than cooking a nice meal for me and Vicky and enjoying each other’s company.

GO GO SONIC

2011 Group1 Nottingham Produce Stakes Winner, Group 2 Wimbledon Puppy Derby Semi-Finalist and Group 1 Nottingham Eclipse Semi-Finalist. Group 3 BRIAN CLARKSON BRITISH BRED TROPHY WINNER Hove 2011. Runner Up Group 2 Racing Post Juvenile 2012 Monmore Summer Dogs finalist, greyhound studbook trophy finalist, Reached the Olympic & Sussex Cup Semi Finals. Competed against the best 4 bend dogs in the country.

Available for matings. Contact Rock It Kennels on 01283 763920/07917 180571 with the details of your bitch to make arrangements.

Sonic now has his own web page where you can see some more photographs & videos check it out at www.gogosonic.co.uk

ON THE COURSING FIELD

Thomas Tanks them all in Derby

T

he withdrawal of Longmeadow Raz and subsequent declaration of Thomas the Tank as winner of the Boylesports derby brought a rather anti-climactic conclusion to the 88th National coursing meeting on Monday evening 4th February.

Notwithstanding this we were treated to three days of spectacular coursing – the best I have ever witnessed.

The hare stock was incredible. The sun was on our backs for the duration. The ‘gate’ was up 20% when compared to 2012 and the influx of foreign visitors meant it was more like Geneva than rustic Clonmel.

Thomas the Tank first came to prominence following his trial stake win at Freshford.

This May puppy, by 2008 derby winner Razor Ashmore and Newinn All In and owned

by Miss Lucy Lennon Walsh – daughter of Waterford racing manger –Kathleen and trained by her grandfather Denny Lennon, had clocked appreciably well during qualification.

‘Thomas’ subsequently ran-up the Troy Electric puppy stake at Old Kilcullen in December to Kilkeale Hero.

A trial during the interval at the Sevenhouses meeting left watchers in no doubt as to his wellbeing.

Now onto Clonmel – a trial at Powerstown a week before the national-meeting and disaster – ‘Thomas’ failed to sight his hare.

However, fortune favours the brave, so up he went a second time, getting plenty work in the process.

Regional qualifier – Kyle Leigh, owned by the Field family , had been Boylesports derby favourite for over three months but dramatic late punts on Windfarm Hill (into 6/1) and

Thomas The Tank and his supporters

Windsor Forest (into 8/1 - owned by Patsy Byrnes and former Irish International Niall Quinn) saw ‘Kyle’ go off 3rd favourite at 10/1. ‘Thomas’ was 12/1.

Windfarm Hill was beaten two lengths in his 1st course by Droopys Bestie. First blood to the bookies.

After three courses, eight dogs stood their ground on the Monday morning.

On the less favoured red collar ‘Thomas’ was now meeting Windsor Forest in the 4th quarter final.

Niall Quinn had earlier walked pass us on his way to the ‘members stand’ – the one you need to pay for! Seeing Quinn brings back the great memories of Italia ’90. The modest

man gets a cheer. Sean Doherty announced the course over the PA. ‘Thomas’ was the outsider.

The hare darts out onto the stretch. Slipper Martin Murphy moves out. They’re running. As they glide up the hill, ‘Thomas’ stretches out for two length win. Choruses of ‘choo-choo’ reverberate around the stands.

In the top half, the almost completely white Kyle Leigh would meet King Rooney and Longmeadow Raz would battle Fatcatinhat.

Trained by Glen Healy for his 14 year old son Nathan Byrne-Healy and young Jack Monahan , ‘Fatcat’ had qualified for the national meeting in Gorey, beating Old Fried

By MICHEAL MCNAMARA the hare had veered sharply to ‘red’. Longmeadow Raz trained in Tarbert, county Kerry by Patrick O’Connor for Mt T.M. Holly, Surrey, had crossed over and was following a true line. ‘Kyle’, still on the run-up proper now noticed his adversary and manoeuvred to compensate.

Too late, ‘Raz’ got to the turn first. The talking dog for most of the season was out and ‘Raz’ came off lame.

Kilkeale Hero had beaten Phoenix Bruno in the 3rd quarter-final. Last time they met ‘Kilkeale’ was the victor. Another loud cry from the stands as ‘Kilkeale’- on the red collar and ‘Thomas’ were sent on their way by slipper Richie Quinn. Another 4 length win for ‘Thomas’ and in the finish enough to secure the Boylesports Derby.

Ali Too Smart For Them In The Oaks

Joe owned by proprietor of The Local BarColin McLean.

Talking to Healy in the Local Bar on the Sunday night, his excitement at being in the quarter-finals was palpable. ‘It’s fantastic for the kids’ he exclaimed, ‘they’ll sleep with the dog in the kennels tonight’.

‘Kyle’ was though and would meet ‘Raz’ in the semi-final.

Healy was not despondent. Nobody takes qualification for the national meeting for granted, never mind a quarterfinal berth.

Penultimate interval over and it is semifinals time. On the red collar, Kyle Leigh (5/4jf) bombed out of slips and appeared to be opening a decisive lead but shock horror;

The Greyhound & Petworld Oaks looked gifted for the Gerry Holian trained Blades of Steel. As short as 6/1 for the competition since qualifying at Newcastlewest.

Alas ‘Blades’ succumbed to Gowayoudat in the 3rd round. It was a fantastic buckle, with Gowayoudat coming from behind to prevail by the shortest of margins.

The biggest talking point of the meeting was the semifinal encounter between Miss Fury and Smart Ali. Smart Ali had booked her place in Powerstown by winning the oaks trial stake at Waterford on their new field. Then ‘Ali’ was running in the ownership of breeder Denis Fielding, Mooncoin and under the famous ‘Moat’ prefix. ‘Ali’ was subsequently sold to Paul White from Rathkeale, with training duties handed to Barney Mooney.

Miss Fury had a shorter than average slip in her quarter-final and the handicap was against her going into the semi-final.

As both bitches strode up the hill, Miss Fury had a narrow lead. She had defied the handicap, or so it seemed. Closing in on her game, Miss Fury crouched, the hare turned, the red collar of Smart Ali flashed past. It was over in a fraction of a millisecond. ‘White collar’ was the verdict of most, including myself.

As both hounds chased to cover, Judge John O’Connell proceeded to pull the red handkerchief signifying a place in the final for Smart Ali. O’Connell’s decision was met with wild derision from the stands and unsavoury scenes – befitting that of a premiership soc-

cer match – followed as connections of Miss Fury berated O’Connell as they left the field.

We can all sit back and dissect in minute detail every decision a judge makes on the TV screen. An injustice was committed but who would want to be a judge?

Smart Ali went on to comfortably account for Ardmore Charmer in the final.

Dreams and Babe Take All Aged Competitions

In the All Age completions, Hopes and Dreams came in as a reserve to claim the Classic Club Champion Stakes and Bossa Nova Babe won the Grace Bruton Memorial Champion Bitch stakes.

Much Needed Media Given To Coursing

Over the three days, coursing gained unprecedented media exposure. The meeting featured on the national TV news.

Sky tv channel www.irishtv.ie captured plenty of the action. 35,000 people attending any event over three days is not to be sniffed at and especially in the middle of winter.

Master Was The Toast Of The Ladies International

It would be remiss of me not to mention what has traditionally been the curtain raiser to the national meeting – the Ladies International hosted by Clonmel & District Open CC. Now in its 45th year, the stake had to be moved a week early to facilitate the national meeting weekend switch and was concluded on Saturday 9th February.

Third season dog Toast Master running in the colours of Patsy Byrnes and Berkie Browne was a worthy winner, accounting for the Dan Riordan owned and Jimmy Power trained Rio Tee Tee in the final.

A former trial stake winner at Clonakilty, Toast Master was beaten in final of all age cup in Kilflynn on the opening weekend of the season.

Listowel based Michael Shine takes care of training duties.

Presentation of the cup by sponsor Michael Horgan to Mick Lawlee, representing the owners, was conducted at the Barne Lodge.

This concluded a fantastic fortnight of coursing in Clonmel .

Can’t wait for #clonmel2014.

Follow me on twitter @McnamaraMicheal

TAYLORS SKY

(Westmead Hawk – Rising Angel, March 2009) 43 Races – winning 26, 2011 English Derby Winner, 2011 Henlow Derby Winner, 2011 Gold Cup Winner, 2012 English Derby Finalist, 2012 Eclipse Runner Up, 2012 Yarmouth Derby R-up, 2012 Gold Cup Finalist, 2012 Henlow Derby Finalist, Broke or equalled 6 Track Records, 2011 Greyhound Of The Year; winning just over £116,000 in prize-money Standing with Sean Bourke at Newpark Stud 00353 872549554

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RACING FROM THE USA The name

may change

Mardi Gras track as it looks today

but racing goes on

BY JAMES SMITH

I

n 1934 on an unseasonably cold December night in Hollywood, Florida, the Hollywood Kennel Club opened their doors to greyhound racing for the very first time. Greyhound racing had only been legal in Florida since 1931 and the new track in Hollywood opened with sparse facilities and a handle of just $14,000.

During this period of time it was common for the Hollywood Kennel Club to find itself with direct competition from not just one but two area tracks.

West Flagler Kennel Club and the now defunct Miami Beach Kennel Club would both be hosting meets at the same time as Hollywood would be running their season.

This made the early going a very difficult time but the track persevered.

Even with the crowded marketplace the Hollywood Kennel was able to forge their own customer base and grow their product from its humble beginnings.

Within the first six years of operation the Kennel Club was able to add a full scale grandstand and a moderate sized clubhouse.

Within time the Kennel Club had morphed into a new identity as the Hollywood Dog Track.

Gone were the days of substandard facilities and small crowds. Each successive year brought more growth to the Hollywood area and to the track and the track kept up with the increased business by launching a series of construction projects that transformed the track into one of the finest greyhound racing facilities in the country.

In the 1950’s and 1960’s the Hollywood Dog Track was the place to be and be seen. At that time the Miami Beach area was like Las Vegas without the gambling.

Top celebrities were booked for the winter months at the larger hotels and invariably these celebrities would make it out to the track for a night of racing or even a public appearance. The Hollywood Dog Track was indeed a happening place.

As the 60’s were giving way to the 1970’s it was oblivious that the Hollywood Dog Track could no longer handle the crowds of people that flocked to their track every night during their winter racing meet.

In late 1972 construction started on a brand new facility that would be located on the backstretch of the current facility.

Once the new building was completed for the 1974 season the old track was destroyed and the racetrack was reconfigured to accommodate the new grandstand.

And what a grandstand it was with seating for four thousand patrons and a total capacity of 25,000, it had now become the

largest and most modern greyhound racing facility in the world.

The adage of build it and they will come was never truer than for the new Hollywood Track. The track was rebranded once again and this time it became the Hollywood Greyhound Track and the fans turned out as never before.

Crowds of 15,000 or more were common place and handles of $1,000,000 for a weekend night were normal.

To build on this popularity the track started an event called the Hollywood World Greyhound Classic and they termed it the “Super Bowl of Greyhound Racing.”

This race which was popular right from its inception quickly became the premier greyhound race in the country if not the world. To this day the World Classic is the event by which all championship greyhounds are measured by.

Winning the World Classic is still the most sought after achievement in greyhound racing in the United States.

As the 1990’s came upon us the gam-

SPONSORED BY UNITED GREYHOUND RACING bling on greyhounds had reached a peak and then leveled off and even the addition of simulcast wagering, which at that time was thought to be the savior of racing, turned out to be a detriment.

With the advent of simulcasting the industry seemed to be watered down and the excitement of being at a live racing facility was waning.

Hollywood Greyhound Track opened poker tables and then in the mid 2000’s slot machines were approved.

Once again the dog track was rebranded as the facility became the Mardi Gras Casino and the track became known as The Racetrack at Mardi Gras.

A new era was upon greyhound racing and the results were not pretty. Customers moved over to poker and slots and the old time greyhound players became just that, old.

With no new blood coming into the game as the old timers fell by the wayside the attendance and handle dropped year by year.

After several down years the Hollywood aka Mardi Gras Racetrack partnered up with www.bigjackpotbetting.com, an internet based marketing and live greyhound presentation web site.

Now in the third year of partnership both Mardi Gras and Big jackpot betting are benefitting from their combined efforts to grow the game.

With a dual focus of bringing in new customers from both on-line and locally the results are most encouraging.

Pools are up, attendance is up, handle is up and a new trend of increasing business both on-line and live is gaining momentum.

The good old days are gone but the good new days are just now beginning and greyhound racing in Hollywood, Florida is once again showing year over year gains.

The track may change its name but greyhound racing goes on.

Kiowa Producers Wins the 2013 $75,000 Mardi Gras World Classic

By Clinton Locklear

K

iowa Producer made it look easy Friday night, February 15th in the $75,000 Mardi Gras World Classic in Hallandale Beach, FL. Going off as the lukewarm favorite at odds of 3-1, Producer broke well from the six box and beat the ultra quick Who Says I Can’t to the turn.

Staying mid track throughout he got the separation he needed on the backstretch to extend. The race was never in doubt and he strode under the wire six lengths in front of the second placed finisher.

Final time for the 550 yards was 30.47; the fastest of the evening.

Cry Concho, the only undefeated greyhound in qualifying, came from last early on to close second. The 6-3 exacta was worth $30.80.

Concho was left with a costly wide trip on the first turn and three wide on the far turn, but never posed a danger to the winner.

Mom’s Hellion was a game third rounding out a chalky trifecta price of $85.80.

Cals Won More completed the superfecta payout of $748.40. All prices reflect $2 wagers.

Siturockindaboat was fifth, Oakland Medusa sixth, Who Says I Can’t faded to seventh after competing for the early lead and FF Code Red rounded out the field.

Continued next page

RACING FROM THE USA Producers Kiowa World Classic . . .

From previous page The precocious twenty-two month old Kiowa Producer was bred by Hall of Famer Kay Smith of Frederick, Oklahoma.

Jack Sherck is the lucky owner and was handled by the J & J Calabro Kennel’s trainer Donna Whitelaw since shipping south from Wheeling, West Virginia. Like most of Kay Smith’s dogs, Kiowa Producer is impeccably bred.

His sire Dragon Fire has been represented by several major stakes competitors such as last year’s World Classic winner Maria Mandalena, who’s own sire Kiowa Myth is a son of Dragon Fire.

Kiowa Producer and Kiowa Myth also share the same direct damline.

The British bred Westmead Move* is the 4th dam of Myth and the 5th dam of Producer.

Producer’s dam, Kay V Sweet Kay – also owned and bred by Kay Smith – was one of the fastest Lincoln dogs of her time who competed almost exclusively in AA and stakes races at the 3/8ths distance.

The pairing of Dragon Fire and Kay V Sweet Kay is unique in that it gives Kiowa Producer a 4x3 line breeding of She’s A Natural.

The same line breeding is most recognizable in one of America’s top stud dogs Kiowa Mon Manny, only it appears closer.

Early reports are that Kiowa Producer will head to Southland in West Memphis, Arkansas to possibly compete in the RLC Million Series.

The original concept of the RLC Million was to hold four $250,000 events throughout the year at the distances of 583 yards and 660 yards.

He’ll find a much tougher group in Southland than he faced at Mardi Gras.

Before he leaves town, they’ll line up the same eight finalists for the $10,000 Joe Ryan, Jr. Memorial on February 22.

The connections are hoping that different boxes will lead to different results but Kiowa Producer simply exuded class in the World Classic Final.

T

he Gs Duo might have got all the hype and wagering dollars on them before the start of the 2013 Orange Park Derby, but the title went to a greyhound that seized the opportunity and stole the finals and the championship.

As Rusty rattled down the backside in the finals of the 2013 Orange Park Derby, Gs Grace, from her coveted one box, was the favorite and her kennelmate Gs Cosmo was a second choice from the tough 5 box, but it was another greyhound that was going to make a splash at the break.

Darting by went Rusty and the box popped open and Safe At Home came out like a shot! Taking instant command over the field he was a length ahead of the rest in the first few strides from the box. Gs Grace broke very close, as expected from the rail, and so did Gavotte. As they rumbled through the first turn, Gavotte tried to get outside and cause a pile up behind her, which gave the leaders even more of an advantage over the rest of the field.

From that point on, this final really turned into a two greyhound race for the title, with Safe At Home on the lead and Gs Grace chasing the pace in place. Up front this duo battled and with every step that Grace took around the oval she tried to chip away at the leader.

Early on he was clear by a couple of lengths, but as they flew down the backside Grace made a bit of a move and gained some ground. Gavotte was still chasing in third, and the forced back early Gs Comso had started to make a run of his own.

By the far turn Grace had shrunk the margin to just a length and it appear that it was going to be a tantalizing finish, but Safe At Home had other plans. Digging in deep, Safe At Home put his head back down and gave a determined stretch run that left Grace no shot at winning this race. He re-

ally showed off some guts when challenged and deserved to take home the title at the finish line. Grace gave all she had with every stride around the racetrack, but the converted sprinter just couldn’t take down the leader before the finish line. Gs Cosmo came flying up the stretch and if the race would have been a bit longer, he might have caught both of the leaders. His time ran out though and he had to settle for third best as he rallied late after a early trouble ridden race.

Gavotte held on to complete the superfecta after chasing the pace in third for the majority of this race. The rest of the final field was Slick in 5th, Gett It Going in 6th, Pat C Abash in 7th, and Kiowa Leap in 8th.

Hind sight is bliss as they say, but if you really looked at this race and if everything went just right, you could have seen it playing out this way with Safe At Home winning.

The speed was to the inside, Safe At Home and Gs Grace, and Gavotte loves to race wide and should go there early on. She broke well and moved wide and took out the closers early on.

It gave a clean running late to the two breakers, and it became a two greyhound race. Either one could have got the lead and the advantage in this effort, but KUDOS to Safe At Home for seizing the opportunity and taking home the big win on the biggest 660 yard stage at bestbet Orange Park.

Congratulation to Red Oak Racing, owners Craig Tasens or Dora Hardin, trainer Leon Ooton and everyone else connected with this great greyhound.

This marks the second stakes win in a row for Red Oak Racing who sits alone at the top of the kennel standings for 2013. Here’s wishing the best for Safe At Home for the rest of the year and remember he can sprint too, so I would expect for you to see him in against some other stakes fields as the year progresses on.

SPONSORED BY UNITED GREYHOUND RACING Bella Infrared earns UGR top honours for the year!

Bella Infrared by Rachel Hogue

BY MICHAEL D. FRINO

T

he UGR Top 25 Poll was designed to recognize those greyhounds that performed at the highest level at their home track over a designated period of time.

Approximately 80 greyhounds appeared in the UGR polls and received the recognition they deserved. However, as in any sport, there are always those athletes who stand out among the rest.

As the saying goes...the cream always rises to the top… and it is no different in greyhound racing. The UGR TOP 10 list for 2012 spotlights those ten dogs that achieved high rankings and made multiple appearances in our polls.

Bella Infrared’s total score is 114 which easily earned him the UGR top honors for 2012! Now let’s take a look at the UGR Top 10 greyhounds for the year.

Greyhound UGR POLL RANKINGS POINTS 1. BELLA INFRARED (Southland) 2. CTW BRONZE DRAKE (Wheeling) 3. J’S ROBIN (Orange Park) 4. SLATEX TITANIUM (Southland) 5. VENUS ESPINOSA (Derby Lane) 6. SLATEX PLUTONIUM (Southland) 6. BOC’S SWEENEY (Dubuque) 8. TDS JACKIE (Tri State) 9. MW’S MORRIGAN (Gulf) 9. OTIMUS PRIME (Tri State) So there it is…ten of the top greyhounds in 2012 based on the results of the four United Greyhound Racing Top 25 polls.

Few would argue with Bella Infrared (Kiowa Mon Manny-Bella Ionic) was the most talked about and top greyhound of the year.

The Southland Derby winner won 76% of his races, including a 19 straight win streak, and is the current win leader at the premier track. Congratulations to the David Blair Kennel, trainer Natalie Duncan and, of course, Bella Infrared.

We can also say about each of the dogs in the top 10 that they were either dominant at their home track, a stakes winner, and or a consistent winner of top grade races throughout the year.

Consequently, the resume for each of these greyhounds is also impressive. CTW Bronze Drake is the win leader at Wheeling Island, and gradually ascended to the top of the UGR poll from 20th to 7th and now 1st.

J’s Robin...ranked in three of the polls… was dominant at Orange Park winning 42 races, and set the 5/16ths track record.

She was also in the money in three major stakes including a race over the 660 course.

Slatex Titanium was the winner of the RLC Championship race and a three time winner over Bella Infrared.

Venus Espinosa is Derby Lane’s win leader and winner of the Fall Sprint Classic. Slatex Plutonium won the Southland Hound Madness, was 3rd in the South-

land Derby and has won about 50% of his races. Boc’s Sweeney is Greyhound of the Year at Dubuque, and was 2nd in both the Queen and King and Iowa Breeders Cup. TDS Jackie is among the top winners at Tri-State and appeared in three of the UGR polls. MW’s Morrigan also appeared in three of our polls, and has been a consistent winner at Gulf Greyhound Park. Morrigan also shipped to Naples and won the Naples-Fort Myers Sprint.

Optimus Prime from Tri-State…a talented greyhound with an 11 race win streak to his credit. No doubt these greyhounds are among the finest athletes in our sport. They are certainly well bred- and if you look at their sires- four are by Lonesome Cry, three

by Dodgem by Design, two by Kiowa Mon Manny and one by Coldwater Torres.

There were many other outstanding dogs that appeared in the UGR polls. Bluffs Run is the home of some of the most talented greyhounds in the country.

Chasin The Richs, P’s Gibbs, Boc’s Coleena, and now Mamas Pastorjoel and SH Avatar, all ranked in the top 5 in one of the UGR polls. None of those greyhounds, however, made multiple appearances in the polls…maybe an indication of the overall top grade strength at the Iowa track.

Who will be the UGR Top Dog in 2013?

RACING FROM THE USA

We’re still great at 88!

BY VERA RASNAKE

All photos shot by Vera Rasnake

D

erby Lane in St. Petersburg is celebrating 88-years of Greyhound racing on Florida’s West Coast. The beautiful family owned facility is the world’s oldest continuously operating Greyhound racetrack.

Along with pristine white beaches that are just minutes away, Derby Lane continues to be a favorite among tourists and locals alike despite competition from the world’s sixth largest casino located across bay bridges in Tampa.

The Seminole Hard Rock casino has no pari-mutuel play, but the slot machines and casino style gaming continue to sway fans away from the live action racing.

Derby Lane as well as several Greyhound tracks in FL are unable to compete on a level playing field from the compact former Governor Charlie Crist granted the Indian tribes before his term ended.

Derby Lane employed over 700 before the Governor’s elusive deal was made.

Currently around 400 people work in positions throughout the track and in the Poker Room offering games like Texas Hold’Em. The Poker room is also holding it’s own despite the heavy competition. Although the fans still arrive the kennels cannot ignore the lure of higher purses generated by “racinos” that offer greyhound racing alongside casino style gaming in Iowa, West Virginia and Arkansas.

Two Florida tracks Flagler and Mardi Gras were awarded slots after a favorable vote on a statewide ballot four years ago.

The Lester Raines kennel is the fourth major operator in the past three years to leave St. Petersburg for higher purses.

Raines first partnered with Greyhound Hall of Famer R. L. “Tex”Block at Derby Lane running under R. L. Block & Raines in 1989.

The following year Raines went solo.

For the next 22 years fans saw some of the best greyhounds in the nation debut in Raines kennel-many from his top purchases at the NGA auction.

The kennel showcased many stars in-

cluding Fortress Of Gold, USS Raceway, Ellen Ann, Soul Cipher, Greys Huntington and a recent three-year stakes spree in the Fall Juvenile under the direction of trainer Ken Lesperance and wife Jeanne.

The winners were Kelsos Hathaway (2008), Career Goals (2009) and USS Gazillionair in 2010. Raines joined the 2013 roster at Southland.

There was a brief void that was rapidly filled by Lashmet kennel that finished third place at Jacksonville in 2012. The addition of Lashmet kennel keeps the Derby Lane roster at sixteen.

Charter Kennel, Randy Finegan and Julia Ward were top kennels that also left

Florida to join rosters at “racino” tracks.

“Even though good kennels have gone the quality of athlete hasn’t changed,” said Cal Holland Sr., president of the Tampa Bay Greyhound Association and longtime owner of Cal Holland kennel.“People continue to underestimate just how tough the racing is here for the purse money.”

Despite the changes the saying “on with the show” could not be more true than at Derby Lane where Marketing Director Fran Williamson continues to entertain fans with promotions-many linked to the stakes race evenings.

“Although we have downsized ar-

SPONSORED BY UNITED GREYHOUND RACING eas in our facility we are still seeing good crowds especially for our special events,” said Williamson.

“We had over 3,000 fans join us on President’s Day (Feb. 18) for our matinee, which was our highest attended afternoon this year.”

For nearly 40 years Williamson has been employed at Derby Lane and has seen the track in prime years as well as lean ones.

Last year’s season finale was a first in four years that the track finished with a black bottom line. And the attendance was up, despite declining numbers reported by many racetracks. Nearly 20,000 more people visited the Pinellas County icon in 2012 than the previous year. Total attendance for last year was 700,256-a 2.92% increase.

Derby Lane is on track for another well-attended year offering one of the most beautiful Club House dining rooms featuring a panoramic view of the races and an exquisite buffet along with astounding athletes.

Last year Patriot kennel, owned by Vincent Savill of Whitman, MA shattered the six-month mark of 299 races by Lester Raines kennel to a new 333 wins.

The kennel is trained by Cal Holland, Jr.-a third generation trainer. The kennel also houses the 2012 Derby Lane win leader The crowd from President’s Day

Trainer Cal Holland, Jr. with Derby Lane’s Top Dog Venus Espinosa.

Venus Espinosa who made a remarkable comeback from a broken hock.

“I couldn’t believe how well Venus came back after being on Taplin’s farm,” said Savill. “I am so proud of this pup and what he has done.” Tom Taplin that reworked Venus Espinosa was honored last October at the NGA’s Fall Banquet in Abilene, KS for his contributions to the Greyhound industry. Taplin is currently serving as President of the Greyhound Hall of Fame.

Venus Espinosa is an October 2009 son of Kiowa Mon Manny and Sol Venus. The male missed the first three and a half-months of racing in 2012, but rapidly impressed all by recording 31 wins for the year.

He rallied in the back half of the year and won 26 races from 46 starts July through December. America’s win leader was J’s Robin that raced at Orange Park in FL and wrapped up 2012 with 47 wins. Venus Espinosa’s total was among the eight highest totals across North America. Venus was barely a length behind Southland’s highly publicized Bella Infared that won 36 races in 2012 and three wins behind Bluff Run’s Iowa bred champion SH Avatar.

“He’s a very special boy,”said trainer

Cal Holland, Jr. “I’ve been lucky enough to have champions over the years and Venus is among the best I have handled.”

Venus Espinosa won the $50,000 Fall Sprint last October and wrapped up the second half of the year as top dog. This year Venus Espinosa is still showcasing incredible stamina as Derby Lane’s top dog and was a recent winner of the 9th annual Rotary Governor’s race featuring the top eight sprinters.

At the time of this writing Venus Espinosa holds the season’s fastest 550yard time of 30.40 this year. And he has won seven of his eleven starts of which the majority of his winning times have been the fastest recorded of each performance. Venus Espinosa is among the 32 starters competing in the $64,000 Sprint Classic over the 550-yard course. He is expected to become one of the finalists for the March 2 stakes race final. ”He is definitely one of the best greyhounds I have ever owned,” said Vincent Savill. “Phyllis and I are so proud of him.

He is special indeed!”

The results of the Sprint stakes along with other Greyhound and track happenings can be found on Vera’s News at the Derby Lane homepage under the Racing menu.

RACING FROM THE USA Should

you play

maiden races?

BY ED NETR

W

ell, that depends. When I started going to the track, back in the early 1970’s, all the old-timers told me Grade M or puppy races were impossible to figure out.

“Puppies are inconsistent,” they told me.

“They’re too unpredictable. You have to wait until they get up into C until you know if they’re any good or not. Just watch the puppy races. Don’t bet ‘em.”

So I watched them. After awhile, I realized that the old-timers were betting the heck out of the M and J races and cashing tickets too.

It dawned on me that they didn’t want me to bet because I’d be competition. After all, if you wait until a puppy has won in M and J before you bet it, you’re not the only one who’s noticed that it’s a good dog, so you don’t get good odds on it.

I started following the puppies, partly because I just like to watch them run. They’re fresh and happy and give it all they’ve got, like most young athletes. But it wasn’t long before I noticed a few things that had me cashing tickets right along with the ol’ railbirds.

For one thing, puppies come in litters.

When a dog runs in M, chances are it has at least a couple other littermates who will soon be running in M also. Find a good dog, look for its litter mates and bet them before the casual bettors realize that these dogs are going places. I’ve seen some litters that made me money in M and J and then turned out to be just average dogs. That’s okay, though, because I made money on them before they faded.

Besides being from a good litter, there are

some dogs that are just fast. When you look at an M or J race, it’s always a good idea to consider the dog with the fastest time in its last race, when you’re planning your bets.

Of course, a lot of other bettors will be doing that too, but especially in puppy races, the old saying is true: Fast horses – and dogs – win races. I really pay attention when I see a dog that has consistently fast times in schooling races and then in its first real race.

That tells me that this dog is a speedball, no matter who it’s running against and if it doesn’t get into trouble, it’ll probably win.

Then there are the races where you look at the puppies and none of them looks that

bestbet Orange Park will be giving away a 2013 Nimnicht Chevy Silverado pickup on Saturday April 13th, 2013 in conjunction with the finals of the 2013 James J Patton Silver Cup! The drawing will be held after the 14th race and one lucky winner will get the choice of this brand new pick-up or $20,000 in cash!

One entry will be handing out to each person 18 years and older on Saturday evening, but the more you win at bestbet Orange Park, the

good. They’re all slow out of the box, get into trouble with bumps and missed turns and have slow times. But then you look again and realize that one of them isn’t as slow out of the box as you first thought and its slow times were all in slow races. Give that dog another look. If it gets out of the box before the rest of the pack, it has a good chance of winning, because it’ll avoid trouble while the rest of the pack knock each other around.

There are other clues that puppies are worth betting on, that you can discover for yourself, by watching the young dogs and keeping track of their running style, strong points and weak points.

more chances you will have to win the truck.

Starting 2 weeks before the drawing, on Friday March 29th, you will receive an entry into the drawings for every winning ticket cashed on a LIVE Orange Park race!

So come out early, play often, cash and win, and you will have even more chances to win the grand prize of a 2013 Chevy Silverado truck from Nimnicht Chevrolet!

Complete details COMING SOON!

SPONSORED BY UNITED GREYHOUND RACING Top Times and Wins North America - January 2013 Top Times and Wins North America - January 2013

Top Times Birmingham Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

11-Jan-13

17.06

TB'S MOOMENTUM

26-Jan-13

30.03

CRY TALAPIA

12-Jan-13

38.19

COACH ZOOM

2-Jan-13

17.10

TB'S MOOMENTUM

18-Jan-13

30.22

CRY ALBANY

12-Jan-13

38.33

WW SWEET GRETCH

2-Jan-13

17.12

CTW SLAMBANG

12-Jan-13

30.31

CTW LEADING LORI

26-Jan-13

38.34

COACH BOZO

23-Jan-13

17.13

WW'S PISTOL

19-Jan-13

30.34

BRASKA LUIGI

2-Jan-13

38.38

CRY AMERICA

18-Jan-13

17.15

TOMI'S TOMIKO

25-Jan-13

30.37

CRY ALBANY

12-Jan-13

38.38

CRY AMERICA

WIN LEADER

8

TB'S MOOMENTUM

WIN LEADER

6

BRASKA LUCY

WIN LEADER

4

CRY AMERICA

8

WW'S PISTOL

6

CRY ALBANY

4

WW SWEET GRETCH

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

16-Jan-13

30.26

SH AVATAR

30-Jan-13

39.52

UNCOMPROMISING

29-Jan-13

30.26

SH AVATAR

1-Jan-13

39.60

PRICKLY POOCH

20-Jan-13

30.30

PROVEN HISTORY

29-Jan-13

39.62

TAKENITALLTHEWAY

17-Jan-13

30.31

KILLER DARE

27-Jan-13

39.64

GABLE LOADED

11-Jan-13

30.36

HILLTEX COOL

9-Jan-13

39.65

BOC'S BAMBOOZLER

WIN LEADER

4

DK'S FLOW METER

WIN LEADER

3

DAFNEYS DESTINY

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

18-Jan-13

30.33

WW'S WANETA

19-Jan-13

39.69

BELLA FELICITY

29-Jan-13

30.35

WW'S WILD OATS

19-Jan-13

39.84

BELLA DILBERT

22-Jan-13

30.43

NIGHTLITE

19-Jan-13

40.06

BREAD WINNER

19-Jan-13

30.47

PAT C BEETHOVEN

19-Jan-13

40.13

WW'S TRADEWINDS

31-Jan-13

30.47

MEGA WILY

19-Jan-13

40.16

BELLA FAROCA

WIN LEADER

7

MEGA WILY

WIN LEADER

1

BELLA FELICITY

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

28-Jan-13

30.01

CTU SHANE ROARS

16-Jan-13

36.95

CRYSTAL KELLY

24-Jan-13

30.02

ATASCOCITA HECHT

12-Jan-13

36.96

CRYSTAL KELLY

Top Times Bluffs Run

Top Times Caliente

Top Times Daytona Beach

This information is provided to United Greyhound Racing (UGR) by third parties and UGR is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the content.

23-Jan-13

30.03

CTU SHANE ROARS

26-Jan-13

37.00

ADDA PEACH

23-Jan-13

30.09

JT FUSE

18-Jan-13

37.04

FLYING ZIPPER

19-Jan-13

37.07

CRYSTAL KELLY

WIN LEADER

6

R BOOZE CRUISE

WIN LEADER

4

ADDA PEACH

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

2-Jan-13

30.40

VENUS ESPINOSA

22-Jan-13

37.21

TMC'S ROXSLIDE

29-Jan-13

30.50

SING IN CHURCH

18-Jan-13

37.35

PJ MEMPHIS

26-Jan-13

30.52

CALL ME ISHMAEL

15-Jan-13

37.40

ART ALLEN

16-Jan-13

30.53

SL FANCYTASTIC

30-Jan-13

37.40

BUDZ CROSBY

23-Jan-13

30.54

SING IN THE RAIN

9-Jan-13

37.40

KIOWA JORDAN DOC

WIN LEADER

4

LILLY ROSE

WIN LEADER

3

ART ALLEN

4

SOVEREIGN HUNTER

3

KIOWA JORDAN DAN

4

VENUS ESPINOSA

3

ODD EL JAY

3

YARBOROUGH BONZ

Top Times Derby Lane

Top Times Gulf Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

25-Jan-13

29.72

SMOKEY JOE

23-Jan-13

37.12

SLATEX OAK

20-Jan-13

29.78

PRIMED TO WIN

23-Jan-13

37.31

TURBO HAZEL

27-Jan-13

29.88

HOT ON HER TAIL

30-Jan-13

37.39

PALM CITY DYNAMO

17-Jan-13

29.91

ATASCOCITA ENOK

19-Jan-13

37.40

TURBO HAZEL

18-Jan-13

29.91

HOT ON HER TAIL

30-Jan-13

37.43

TURBO HAZEL

WIN LEADER

5

HOT ON HER TAIL

WIN LEADER

3

TURBO HAZEL

This information is provided to United Greyhound Racing (UGR) by third parties and UGR is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the content.

Top Times Mardi Gras

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

11-Jan-13

30.40

ROC A BY MSMOLLY

3-Jan-13

37.43

LONELY HEART

6-Jan-13

44.31

CHARMEDBYTHEKING

24-Jan-13

30.44

KIOWA JADE SWEET

5-Jan-13

37.47

WW'S CRYSTAL CUT

12-Jan-13

44.37

CHARMEDBYTHEKING

5-Jan-13

30.49

BALLYS NATURAL

5-Jan-13

37.59

KELSOS WILD BILL

12-Jan-13

44.44

SANTA'S WARD

13-Jan-13

30.51

SWEET WALKER

3-Jan-13

37.68

WW'S TRAP

27-Jan-13

44.44

GOODLUCKSTERLING

5-Jan-13

30.51

WW'S MCBRIDE

3-Jan-13

37.70

ROYAL TOUR

10-Jan-13

44.45

NOAHS ARK

WIN LEADER

3

DOINITFORSUMDOLL

WIN LEADER

3

KELSOS CHARLENE

WIN LEADER

2

NOAHS ARK

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

28-Jan-13

30.48

KIOWA LAZY TAT

18-Jan-13

37.64

CENTEX EMMA

9-Jan-13

30.78

GO BON HUGBUG

4-Jan-13

37.77

PDG MARQUESS

28-Jan-13

30.81

SAN TAN BIG RED

18-Jan-13

37.79

AHK GOLDIE GIRL

14-Jan-13

30.84

BARTS IRON DAWG

18-Jan-13

37.88

PDG MARQUESS

16-Jan-13

30.85

RICO'S ODESSA

18-Jan-13

38.04

ABIGAIL SCIUTO

WIN LEADER

6

RICO'S ODESSA

WIN LEADER

2

CENTEX EMMA

2

JAS BOUNCIBETTY

Top Times Mobile

Top Times Naples-Ft. Meyers

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

4-Jan-13

17.13

MATCH MAKER

2-Jan-13

29.79

L'S TATIE

29-Jan-13

38.04

ATASCOCITA HOOP

4-Jan-13

17.22

ATASCOCITA TARYN

24-Jan-13

29.84

FUZZYS DILBERT

5-Jan-13

38.04

FUZZYS OLD FOX

7-Jan-13

17.24

KANE'S GETTY

23-Jan-13

29.86

KB'S CROCKETT

11-Jan-13

38.07

BD ELIZABETH

7-Jan-13

17.27

MATCH MAKER

26-Jan-13

29.88

FLYING DIMARCO

30-Jan-13

38.13

BOC'S COLEENA

7-Jan-13

17.34

ATASCOCITA TARYN

3-Jan-13

29.89

FLYING NNAMDI

9-Jan-13

38.16

FUZZYS OLD FOX

WIN LEADER

1

4 TIED

WIN LEADER

5

J'S ROBIN

WIN LEADER

3

BD ELIZABETH

3

FUZZYS OLD FOX

Date Time Dog Greyhound Name This information is provided to United Racing (UGR) by third parties and UGR is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the content.

29-Jan-13

42.59

FLYING ONLOOKER

4-Jan-13

42.63

DIAMOND TEARS

9-Jan-13

42.66

EXPRESS ROUTE

4-Jan-13

42.74

EXPRESS ROUTE

5-Jan-13

42.84

FLYING INFANTE

WIN LEADER

2

DIAMOND TEARS

2

EXPRESS ROUTE

Top Times Orange Park Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

11-Jan-13

30.54

WW'S MUSICIAN

25-Jan-13

37.10

GS COSMO

11-Jan-13

44.30

CLEAR THRU

2-Jan-13

30.57

TY KAY WILLING

11-Jan-13

37.40

KIOWA LEAP

25-Jan-13

44.32

MAC'S STARMAN

11-Jan-13

30.59

BRASKA NYMPH

18-Jan-13

37.43

GS GRACE

25-Jan-13

44.42

PERTINENT TRENT

21-Jan-13

37.44

GS COSMO

19-Jan-13

44.43

25-Jan-13

37.44

GETT IT GOING

19-Jan-13

44.47

MO'S STRIDER

WIN LEADER

4

GETT IT GOING

WIN LEADER

1

CLEAR THRU

WIN LEADER

4

PAT C DUDE

4

WW'S DEATH WISH

1

MAC'S STARMAN

4

WW'S HIP HOP

1

MO'S ARAGORN

Top Times Palm Beach

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

4-Jan-13

16.61

COURTESY FLUSH

3-Jan-13

37.77

VERDUN

18-Jan-13

16.62

LIBERTY TRAIL

Date

Time

Dog Name

3-Jan-13

37.80

RANGER TRENT

14-Jan-13

16.66

PAT C SIDE LOOK

25-Jan-13

37.83

TIPPI HEDREN

20-Jan-13

16.68

PALM CITY PATTON

14-Jan-13

37.84

VERDUN

9-Jan-13

16.69

LIBERTY TRAIL

24-Jan-13

37.87

ATASCOCITA TIERA

WIN LEADER

3

5 TIED

WIN LEADER

5

GOLDEN STAR

WIN LEADER

3

SUPERIOR GLIMPSE

This information is provided to United Greyhound Racing (UGR) by third parties and UGR is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the content.

Top Times Sanford Orlando

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

9-Jan-13

16.69

BOC'S JALAPENO

9-Jan-13

30.19

BOC'S CAYENNE

5-Jan-13

37.84

TAPS TOMAHAWK

4-Jan-13

16.81

BOC'S JALAPENO

9-Jan-13

30.27

L'S HULLA

11-Jan-13

38.02

BONAFIDE GYPSIE

12-Jan-13

16.93

BOC'S JALAPENO

10-Jan-13

30.27

WW'S WATERSPOUT

30-Jan-13

38.03

BARTS LETTING GO

4-Jan-13

16.97

ZMS ALLEN

9-Jan-13

30.27

PG NEW PLAN STAN

9-Jan-13

38.03

T'S JOHNNY REB

26-Jan-13

16.98

GO SPA BABY

9-Jan-13

30.28

JS SHARK BYTE

WIN LEADER

3

BOC'S JALAPENO

WIN LEADER

4

CLOUT

WIN LEADER

3

JOAN CAMPBELL

4

KELLS SIERRA

3

TC PACMAN

Date

Time

Dog Name

30-Jan-13

42.83

LANTUS

25-Jan-13

42.84

LANTUS

19-Jan-13

42.92

MORRISON

25-Jan-13

42.93

KK'S MURTAGH

19-Jan-13

43.07

LANTUS

WIN LEADER

2

KK'S MURTAGH

2

LANTUS

This information is provided to United Greyhound Racing (UGR) by third parties and UGR is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the content.

Top Times Sarasota

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

8-Jan-13

17.89

YE YANG

26-Jan-13

30.03

SE'S TYLER TAN

11-Jan-13

37.87

KC AKAKO

26-Jan-13

17.91

SLATEX MELINA

25-Jan-13

30.04

MIN KYUNG

23-Jan-13

37.89

OLIGARCHY

22-Jan-13

17.94

BARTS WHY MORK

21-Jan-13

30.06

BELLA QUENCH

23-Jan-13

37.90

BS GOT SPEED

23-Jan-13

17.96

JS DEVILSSLAMMER

12-Jan-13

30.11

BRASKA DRAMA

1-Jan-13

37.93

BS GOT SPEED

22-Jan-13

18.07

ROC A BY YAPPER

16-Jan-13

30.11

KC ALLURIANA

25-Jan-13

37.96

BS BLACKMAGIC

WIN LEADER

2

SLATEX MELINA

WIN LEADER

6

LORI KEITH

WIN LEADER

3

OLIGARCHY

Top Times Southland

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

26-Jan-13

17.86

INFORMANT

11-Jan-13

31.30

BELLA INFRARED

26-Jan-13

36.46

ENERGY DRINK

12-Jan-13

17.91

CBJ CHOC O LAT

26-Jan-13

31.62

KANDUE

4-Jan-13

36.53

HOLLYWOOD HOBBS

26-Jan-13

17.95

MEGA CHILLONA

28-Jan-13

31.68

MIKE ROSS

3-Jan-13

36.56

OSHKOSH FAYOLA

26-Jan-13

17.97

CAPRICA EPISODE

28-Jan-13

31.69

SALUTED

31-Jan-13

36.57

WW ELECTRIC RAY

26-Jan-13

18.04

HL'S LESTER

31-Jan-13

31.70

BELLA INFRARED

26-Jan-13

36.71

TK MIDNIGHT RIDE

WIN LEADER

2

BOB'S BLUESTREAK

WIN LEADER

4

BELLA INFRARED

WIN LEADER

4

KL'S SUEDE

2

INFORMANT

2

CBJ CHOC O LAT

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

31-Jan-13

39.21

LAST OUTLAW

5-Jan-13

46.89

SJ'S OVERHAULIN

11-Jan-13

39.29

LAST OUTLAW

12-Jan-13

46.96

STORM RUSH

31-Jan-13

39.41

BOC'S ADALYNE

19-Jan-13

47.03

SJ'S OVERHAULIN

31-Jan-13

39.43

MAGIC SEABASS

26-Jan-13

47.10

GABLE POWERBAIT

11-Jan-13

39.56

BOC'S BLAST OFF

12-Jan-13

47.11

BREAK AWAY MAN

WIN LEADER

2

5 TIED

WIN LEADER

2

SJ'S OVERHAULIN

This information is provided to United Greyhound Racing (UGR) by third parties and UGR is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the content.

Top Times Tri State Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

25-Jan-13

30.11

RAMSEY RAM

20-Jan-13

38.36

WHISKEY APACHE

4-Jan-13

30.12

MH RAPID REVENGE

24-Jan-13

38.43

MAC'S GIBBS

26-Jan-13

30.14

RLM'S WINDWALKER

4-Jan-13

38.46

OSHKOSH RIPLEY

28-Jan-13

30.14

SE'S FIG TIME

6-Jan-13

38.46

RICO'S AQUAFINA

6-Jan-13

30.16

DECO GLEN LEE

19-Jan-13

38.47

MAC'S GIBBS

WIN LEADER

4

RAMSEY RAM

WIN LEADER

3

MAC'S GIBBS

4

USS ROCKET MAN

4

YOU BELONG TO ME

Top Times Tuscon

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

9-Jan-13

17.48

REDROCK MIRROR

21-Jan-13

30.54

BOC'S CRAZE E

12-Jan-13

17.52

REDROCK MIRROR

23-Jan-13

30.69

WELLOILEDMACHINE

10-Jan-13

17.54

ALGOA PRIME

19-Jan-13

30.72

KOYOTE X PENSIVE

23-Jan-13

17.70

BIG A CELESTE

19-Jan-13

30.73

RAMS G WILLIKERS

18-Jan-13

17.71

GITRDONE BILLY

21-Jan-13

30.73

SHOOTLOWSHERIFF

WIN LEADER

3

REDROCK MIRROR

WIN LEADER

5

SHOOTLOWSHERIFF

Top Times Wheeling Downs

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

Date

Time

Dog Name

6-Jan-13

29.50

QUICK REWARD

25-Jan-13

37.34

CTW LYRICAL NOTE

12-Jan-13

42.32

CTW NEMESIS

18-Jan-13

29.52

WWK SPAIN YELLOW

18-Jan-13

37.41

VAPOR TRACE

26-Jan-13

42.58

KIOWA AQUAMARINE

11-Jan-13

29.55

CTW ESTEBAN

25-Jan-13

37.51

SHOT AT STARDOM

26-Jan-13

42.65

FLYING BIG GUN

21-Jan-13

29.58

GO BON WEGO

25-Jan-13

37.58

KAY ROY START

12-Jan-13

42.67

KIOWA KELSEY

11-Jan-13

29.60

CRY POSEIDON

12-Jan-13

37.62

WW'S EXTRA GUM

26-Jan-13

42.68

JIM BRASS

WIN LEADER

3

5 TIED

WIN LEADER

3

CARRIGFERGUS

WIN LEADER

2

CTW NEMESIS

2

KIOWA AQUAMARINE

This information is provided to United Greyhound Racing (UGR) by third parties and UGR is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the content.

NEWPARK STUD

NEW FOR 2013 . . .

DERBY WINNER Taylors Sky MULTIPLE RECORD BREAKER Eden Star AUSTRALIA’S BEST Oaks Road DOUBLE GROUP 1 WINNER Kilty Lad At Newpark Stud, we provide a range of professional services to owners and breeders. From matings to semen freezing and storage, to blood tests and cultures, we can ensure that all your breeding needs are fully covered.

We have a fantastic premises which incorporates a laboratory, kennels and offices as well as being a fully licensed Artificial Insemination facility.

Phone: Sean: +353 87 2549554 Ann: +353 87 9279161 Email: admin@newparkstud.com Newpark Stud, Ballyclerihan, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary